Compliance & Regulation

Understanding ALKS 157: Ensuring Safety and Compliance with Automatic Lane-Keeping Systems

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This image shows a car detecting other vehicles, depicting the technology available for lane keeping systems, which ALKS 157 helps keep safe.

Understanding ALKS 157: Ensuring Safety and Compliance with Automatic Lane-Keeping Systems

As the automotive industry shifts toward increased automation, technologies like Automatic Lane Keeping Systems (ALKS) are playing a crucial role in improving both safety and convenience. ALKS, regulated by the ALKS 157 standard, is a key technology driving the advancement of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles.

In this blog, we’ll explore what ALKS 157 is and how automakers can ensure they meet the rigorous standards set by this regulation.

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What is ALKS 157?

ALKS 157 refers to United Nations Regulation No. 157, which establishes the framework for Automatic Lane Keeping Systems. These systems allow vehicles to maintain a steady course within a lane under certain conditions, without the need for constant driver intervention. The goal is to enhance safety, reduce driver fatigue, and provide a foundation for more advanced autonomous driving capabilities.

Specifically, ALKS 157 applies to vehicles traveling at speeds of up to 60 km/h, often in urban environments or during congested traffic conditions. It defines how the system should function, including its ability to manage both lateral and longitudinal movements within the lane, monitor the driver’s readiness to resume control, and safely perform emergency maneuvers.

To comply with ALKS 157, automakers must ensure their systems can:

  • Maintain lane discipline: Vehicles must stay centered within their lanes, automatically adjusting steering to prevent departure.
  • Handle unexpected events: Systems must detect and respond to sudden obstacles, such as braking vehicles or pedestrians entering the roadway.
  • Ensure driver engagement and handover: Drivers should be able to seamlessly take control when necessary. Systems must issue clear alerts and provide enough time for the driver to intervene.
  • Record and log data: ALKS-equipped vehicles must log specific operational data to help authorities assess compliance and performance, especially following incidents.

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The Importance of Compliance and How Jama Connect® Can Help

Automakers are under increasing pressure to ensure that their vehicles not only feature cutting-edge technology but also adhere to strict safety regulations. ALKS 157 is particularly stringent because it addresses both the technical capabilities of lane-keeping systems and the ethical considerations surrounding the move toward autonomous driving.

Non-compliance with ALKS 157 can lead to regulatory penalties, market delays, and—most importantly—safety risks. For this reason, manufacturers need robust processes in place to manage these complex requirements throughout the vehicle development lifecycle.

Jama Connect provides powerful tools for managing requirements, ensuring traceability, and verifying that every part of a system meets the necessary standards, helping automakers stay compliant with regulations like ALKS 157.

Here’s how Jama Connect can support compliance efforts:

  • Define and manage requirements: Jama Connect allows automakers to clearly define ALKS 157 requirements, break them down into manageable tasks, and track them across teams to ensure all aspects of compliance are addressed.
  • Maintain traceability: The platform ensures that every requirement is traceable throughout development, from initial design to testing and validation. This traceability is essential for proving compliance during audits or regulatory reviews.
  • Facilitate collaboration: Complex systems like ALKS require cross-functional collaboration between engineering teams, safety experts, and regulators. Jama Connect’s collaborative tools make it easier for teams to stay aligned and address compliance challenges early in the process.
  • Streamline reviews and approvals: With Jama Connect, automakers can manage the review and approval process for ALKS 157 requirements more efficiently, reducing delays and ensuring the final product meets regulatory standards.

In today’s automotive landscape, where rapid technological advancements and stringent regulatory demands intersect, Jama Connect provides the tools necessary to ensure compliance without stifling innovation. By leveraging Jama Connect, automakers can stay ahead of evolving standards like ALKS 157 and continue to deliver safe, reliable, and compliant vehicles.

Note: This article was drafted with the aid of AI. Additional content, edits for accuracy, and industry expertise by Matt Mickle, Decoteau Wilkerson, and Kenzie Jonsson.

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