The AMG steering wheel in Mercedes-Benz vehicles is designed with a variety of driving safety features, many of which are activated or managed through the steering wheel's controls. These features enhance both active and passive safety, providing a safer driving experience. Here are some of the key safety features enabled or managed by steering wheel functions:

1. Active Lane Keeping Assist

• Steering Wheel Control: The lane-keeping assist system helps keep the vehicle within its lane. If the system detects unintentional lane departure, it subtly intervenes by applying steering torque. Drivers can activate or adjust the settings of this system using buttons on the AMG steering wheel.
• Safety Benefit: This function helps prevent accidents caused by drifting out of the lane, especially on highways or in long, monotonous drives.

2. Blind Spot Assist

• Steering Wheel Alert: Blind Spot Assist uses sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots. When a car is detected, the system can trigger a visual or audible alert. Some versions can also give haptic feedback through the steering wheel to alert the driver.
• Safety Benefit: This reduces the risk of side-impact collisions by warning the driver of vehicles in adjacent lanes, especially when changing lanes.

3. Adaptive Cruise Control

• Steering Wheel Activation: Adaptive Cruise Control, which adjusts speed based on the distance to the vehicle ahead, can be activated or adjusted using steering wheel controls. It uses radar and cameras to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead.
• Safety Benefit: This feature helps maintain a safe distance, reducing the likelihood of rear-end collisions, especially during highway driving.

4. Active Brake Assist

• Automatic Intervention: Active Brake Assist detects potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians in front and can automatically apply the brakes if the driver doesn't react in time. Some systems may be activated or adjusted via the steering wheel settings.
• Safety Benefit: This provides an extra layer of protection, particularly in emergencies or when the driver is distracted, preventing or reducing the severity of collisions.

5. Collision Prevention Assist

• Steering Wheel Feedback: This system helps reduce the risk of a collision by monitoring the road ahead. If a potential collision is detected, it can alert the driver using audible or visual warnings. Some vehicles with AMG steering wheels feature settings to modify this feature’s sensitivity.
• Safety Benefit: It enhances driver awareness, especially in stop-and-go traffic, and can help avoid accidents caused by sudden slowdowns or obstacles.

6. Attention Assist

• Monitoring through Steering Wheel: Attention Assist monitors the driver's behavior and can detect signs of drowsiness or inattention. When such signs are detected, a warning is displayed on the dashboard, and some systems may also use haptic feedback through the steering wheel to alert the driver.
• Safety Benefit: This system helps reduce the risk of accidents caused by driver fatigue, ensuring that the driver remains alert during long journeys.

7. Crosswind Assist

• Steering Wheel Input: Crosswind Assist helps stabilize the vehicle in gusty or crosswind conditions by applying slight steering corrections. While not directly controlled through the steering wheel, it works in conjunction with the driver’s steering input to maintain stability.
• Safety Benefit: It provides an extra layer of safety by preventing the vehicle from being pushed off course by strong winds, especially in high-profile vehicles like SUVs.

8. Steering Assist (Part of Active Steering Systems)

• Steering Wheel Role: In some advanced systems like Active Steering Assist, the steering wheel can provide subtle feedback to help the driver maintain the intended course or center the vehicle on the road. The system can provide automated steering adjustments to assist the driver.
• Safety Benefit: This feature is particularly helpful in avoiding unintentional lane departure, enhancing safety on highways and rural roads.

9. Emergency Steering Assist

• Steering Wheel Intervention: Emergency Steering Assist can assist the driver by applying corrective steering when sudden evasive maneuvers are needed to avoid obstacles or accidents. The system monitors for critical situations where manual steering input may not be enough.
• Safety Benefit: This allows the driver to make sudden corrections safely, which is vital in avoiding accidents or collisions.

10. Pre-Safe System

• Steering Wheel Alerts: The Pre-Safe system is designed to prepare the vehicle for an impending collision. It can adjust the seating position, close windows, and activate safety systems. While the system itself isn’t directly activated by the steering wheel, the steering wheel-mounted controls allow drivers to adjust settings that support the Pre-Safe system’s functionality.
• Safety Benefit: By preparing the vehicle for an accident before it happens, it reduces the risk of injury to the driver and passengers.

11. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

• Steering Wheel Notifications: In some AMG models, tire pressure information can be accessed via the steering wheel’s digital display. Alerts are shown when tire pressure is low, which helps prevent blowouts and ensures optimal tire performance.
• Safety Benefit: Monitoring tire pressure helps maintain vehicle stability and handling, especially when driving at high speeds or in adverse conditions.

12. AMG-specific Driving Modes

• Adjustable via Steering Wheel: The AMG steering wheel allows for quick access to various driving modes (such as Comfort, Sport, Sport+, or Race) that adjust vehicle handling and suspension settings. This allows the driver to tailor the vehicle’s performance to the road conditions, improving overall safety in different environments.
• Safety Benefit: The ability to quickly switch between modes allows the driver to choose the most suitable driving dynamics, which can improve safety when cornering, accelerating, or braking in challenging conditions.

Conclusion

The AMG steering wheel incorporates a variety of integrated safety features that make driving safer and more comfortable. The ability to activate, adjust, and monitor these safety systems directly through the steering wheel helps keep the driver focused on the road and enhances overall vehicle safety. Whether it's through active intervention, alerts, or providing feedback to the driver, the AMG steering wheel plays a crucial role in keeping both the driver and passengers safe.