Yes, many modern vehicles, especially those with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like AMG, are equipped with vibration or haptic feedback features in the steering wheel to provide warnings for lane departure or collision detection. These systems enhance safety by alerting the driver through tactile feedback, encouraging timely action in critical situations. Here’s how they work:

1. Lane Departure Warning

• Function: Lane departure warning systems are designed to alert the driver when the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane without signaling.
• Haptic Feedback: When the system detects that the vehicle is crossing lane markings without the turn signal being activated, it can trigger a vibration or resistance in the steering wheel to warn the driver.
  • The vibration can be a single pulse or a continuous pulse, depending on the vehicle’s settings.
  • In some systems, the steering wheel might also provide gentle torque correction, subtly turning the wheel to guide the vehicle back into the lane.
• Customization: Many vehicles allow the driver to adjust the intensity or sensitivity of the haptic feedback according to their preference.

2. Collision Warning and Avoidance

• Function: Collision warning systems use radar, cameras, or sensors to detect potential obstacles or vehicles in the path of the driver, especially in front of the vehicle.
• Haptic Feedback: If the system detects an imminent collision (e.g., if the vehicle is approaching a car or obstacle too quickly), it may provide vibration feedback through the steering wheel as an early warning.
  • The vibration serves as a tactile cue, prompting the driver to take immediate action, such as braking or steering away.
• Active Steering Assistance: In more advanced systems, such as Active Brake Assist or Steering Assist, the steering wheel can also provide corrective torque to help the driver avoid a collision by gently guiding the vehicle into a safer position.

3. Blind Spot Detection

• Function: Blind spot detection systems alert the driver when there is a vehicle in their blind spot, particularly when attempting to change lanes.
• Haptic Feedback: If the system detects a vehicle in the blind spot while the driver attempts to change lanes, it can activate a vibration in the steering wheel or provide a gentle tug in the opposite direction, urging the driver to avoid making the maneuver.

4. Driver Attention Monitoring

• Function: Some vehicles monitor the driver’s attention levels and issue warnings if signs of fatigue or inattention are detected.
• Haptic Feedback: If the system detects that the driver is not paying attention or showing signs of drowsiness, the steering wheel may provide periodic vibration warnings to alert the driver to refocus or take a break.

5. Pedestrian Detection and Emergency Braking

• Function: Pedestrian detection systems warn the driver if a pedestrian is in the vehicle's path. If the driver does not take action, the system may trigger automatic emergency braking to avoid a collision.
• Haptic Feedback: In some cases, the steering wheel provides vibration as a pre-warning before automatic braking is applied, letting the driver know to act swiftly.

6. Adaptability of Haptic Feedback

• Customizable Feedback: In many high-performance vehicles, especially with AMG models, the intensity and frequency of haptic feedback in the steering wheel can be adjusted according to the driver's preferences or driving modes.
  • Sport or Track Mode: The feedback may be more pronounced to provide clear alerts during high-speed maneuvers.
  • Comfort Mode: The feedback might be less intrusive and more gentle for everyday driving.

7. Advanced Systems with Steering Wheel Haptic Control

• Some high-end vehicles, including AMG models, integrate steering wheel feedback into more sophisticated driver-assistance systems, where the wheel can actively assist with steering, braking, or accelerating during certain situations. In such cases, the feedback goes beyond warnings, and the wheel can physically guide the vehicle in the right direction if the driver does not take action quickly enough.

Conclusion:

Haptic or vibration warnings in the steering wheel play a critical role in enhancing driver safety and awareness. They provide intuitive, tactile feedback in situations where a visual or auditory alert might be missed, such as when the driver is distracted or too focused on the road ahead. By providing these warnings for lane departure, collision detection, blind spot alerts, and more, the steering wheel acts as a crucial communication tool, helping the driver make timely decisions and potentially avoiding accidents.