Driving has become a vital skill for life in modern society, but it is undoubtedly a risky activity. Crashes and collisions are a constant hazard that drivers need to be looking out for and consciously avoiding. Over the last few decades, technological systems have been developed to support drivers and make driving safer for everyone.
When we’re talking about large commercial vehicles, these systems are even more important. Find out more about these systems, how they work and how Brucom can support your commercial fleet with easy-to-install, advanced safety systems.
What are ADAS and what are they for?
ADAS, in this context, stands for ‘Advanced Driver Assistance Systems’. It refers to a range of electronic devices installed inside vehicles to support the driver and reinforce safe driving.
These systems help to provide information to the driver and check or control the vehicle for unsafe conditions or manoeuvres. They help protect people inside and outside of the vehicle. These systems exist to help drivers make driving safer.
According to a 2023 report by the road safety charity Brake, 30,000 people are killed or seriously injured in a motor vehicle crash on British roads each year, and most of these involve some degree of human error as a cause of the crash. Technology which helps drivers avoid crashes can have a huge impact on reducing the number of deaths and the severity of injury. The British government estimates that more than 1,700 deaths and 15,600 serious injuries could be prevented with the help of driver assistance systems.
Most drivers agree that these safety features are important, with the Brake report stating that almost half of drivers prioritise safety features when purchasing a new vehicle. Another report conducted by Thatcham Research stated that 82% of surveyed drivers felt safer in cars with ADAS installed.
In many places, including the EU, these safety features are now a legal requirement in new cars. As of summer 2026, the UK government is consulting on introducing similar regulations.
Why are they vital for commercial vehicles?
Commercial drivers are some of the most well-trained drivers on the road, but they can still be involved in or even cause crashes. Strict regulations are in place to ensure that those driving commercial vehicles follow safety protocols to reduce human error, such as vehicle checks and fatigue management. However, Advanced Safety Assistance Systems can be hugely beneficial to drivers manoeuvring heavy loads for long distances.
According to government statistics, 29% of road crashes in 2025 involved a vehicle driven for work. Most of these crashes involved people driving cars, but vans with an MGW of 3.5 tonnes or under and buses and coaches were in the top 2 and 3 spots.
Since commercial vehicles tend to be bigger and heavier than regular road cars, the potential fallout of an accident is much bigger. In the 186 fatal crashes that happened in 2025 which involved a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV), most of the deaths were of drivers, passengers or pedestrians outside of the HGV vehicle. Equipping your commercial fleet with driver assistance systems can help prevent death and injury.
Even minor accidents can cause injury and result in costly repairs and vehicle downtime. Installing ADAS systems in your fleet helps protect you, your drivers and others out on the road.
Brucom ADAS innovations
At Brucom, we have years of experience designing and building advanced driver assistance systems. Our systems can be tailored to specific needs and functions, ensuring the vehicle cannot be operated unsafely, or so they only alert the driver in certain situations relating to their vehicle. We work with partners to design and build the system that best suits their applications. Some examples of the kind of system we are experienced in designing are:
Audible alarms
We’ve developed a range of systems that audibly alert drivers to compromises in safety, such as open doors, unbuckled seatbelts or if the vehicle is in reverse instead of drive. We have experience designing a range of these alarms, including:
Handbrake warnings
Door open warnings
Seatbelt wearings
Parking sensors
We have experience designing and crafting sensors and cameras to support commercial drivers with parking, an especially valuable tool when trying to park a large, bulky vehicle.
Step sensors
Movable parts on vehicles, such as steps that lower or extend outward, are useful and often required to perform the function of that vehicle correctly. However, it can also be a potential hazard if accidentally left extended when the vehicle drives away. We developed a sensor that can be inserted inside the step to alert the driver, ensuring they return the step to it's safe position before driving.
Blind Spot sensors
We are the only British manufacturer of the loom used to connect the BSIS to a Mercedes Sprinter van that is endorsed by the Mercedes UK Bodybuilder programme. They recommend us to their customers for a reason. Our BSIS loom is easy to install, reasonably priced and built for reliability and quality.
-> Find out more about the BSIS loom and order online today
Find out more about our commercial automotive experience
Beyond ADAS, we have experience with crafting a range of commercial automotive assemblies and wiring harnesses. No matter what kind of commercial vehicle you operate or build - construction, municipal or even marine - we can build you the perfect electrical system for you.