Honda Sensing: Driver-assist tech I didn't know I desperately needed

As a motorcycle rider, I am accustomed to using two-wheelers with diminutive dimensions to navigate congested city streets.

That is why getting behind the wheel of a rather bulky Honda HR-V was initially daunting. I’d much prefer to ride Hondas with the winged logo.

Yet, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to drive Honda’s latest crossover, more so because of its Honda Sensing driver-assist technology.

Honda Sensing is like Spiderman’s "Spidey-sense" in that it detects potential hazards on the road to help the driver avoid road crashes.

In some instances, it also enables the vehicle to respond automatically to danger when the driver fails to do so.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF)

When driving on tollways for an extended period, I get eye strain by constantly shifting my eyes between my speedometer and the car in front.

The ACC not only kept the HR-V within the speed limit, but it also maintained a safe distance from the vehicles in front. 

Meanwhile, LSF made driving in stop-and-go situations easier by enabling me, with the push of a button, to automatically follow the car in front as it moved.

Yes, traffic jams do happen on tollways.

Collision Mitigation Braking System

Most collisions happen when the driver fails to perceive hazards, such as a vehicle suddenly swerving into your lane or daredevil pedestrians running across the road at night.

This system warns you of such hazards and activates the brakes to avoid or lessen the impact – it's like having a co-pilot with an extra pair of eyes to watch the road ahead.

Lane Keeping Assist System with Lane Departure Warning

Some drivers need to be more proficient in staying in the center of the lane, especially on a curved road.

These systems help maintain a safe distance between you and the car in the adjacent lane by keeping your Honda in the middle of your lane.

Road Departure Mitigation 

This warns the driver when the vehicle is veering towards the side of the road when a turn signal is not in use.

It also self-corrects the steering and applies braking to help avoid lane departure and to keep the car in the middle of the detected lane.

Auto High Beam

When using your high beam during nighttime driving, the headlights automatically switch to low beam when there is oncoming traffic from the opposite lane.

It also keeps you from being a nuisance on the road.  

Lead Car Departure Notification

This feature is for you if you’re the driver who habitually checks your phone at stoplights.

It gives an audio warning when you fail to notice that the stopped car in front has started to go. Surprisingly, it was always 1.5 seconds quicker than the horn of the car behind me.

It goes without saying that while electronic nannies like the Honda Sensing practically make vehicles idiot-proof, there are a lot of limitations to what they can do.

Most road crashes are still caused by the nut that connects the steering wheel to the seat.

Which one of these features would help you most in your driving?