2034-1. Before driving
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
WA R N I N G
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the “READY” indicator is
illuminated. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accelerator ped-
als to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a difficulty in oper-
ating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle only slightly. This allows you to depress the brake and accelerator pedals properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal using
your left foot may delay response in an emergency, resulting in an accident.
●The driver should pay extra attention to pedestrians when the vehicle is powered only
by the electric motor (traction motor). As there is no engine noise, the pedestrians
may misjudge the vehicle’s movement.
●Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. These hot parts may
cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.
●During normal driving, do not turn off the hybrid system. Turning the hybrid system off
while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, however, power assist
to the steering will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer smoothly, so you
should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
In the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop the vehicle in
the normal way: →P. 4 6 9
●Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving down a steep
hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose effective-
ness. ( →P. 2 2 4 )
●Do not adjust the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or outside rear
view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their body are not
outside the vehicle.
2144-1. Before driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order to avoid acci-
dent, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when towing:
■Checking connections between trailer and lights
Stop the vehicle and check the operation of the connection between the
trailer and lights after driving for a brief period as well as before starting off.
■Practicing driving with a coupled trailer
●Get the feel for turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer coupled by
practicing in an area with no or light traffic.
●When reversing with a coupled trailer, hold the section of the steering
wheel nearest to you and rotate clockwise to turn the trailer left or counter-
clockwise to turn it right. Always rotate a little at a time to prevent steering
error. Have someone guide you when reversing to lessen the risk of an
accident.
■Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle running ahead of
you should be equivalent to or greater than the combined length of your vehi-
cle and trailer. Avoid sudden braking th at may cause skidding. Otherwise, the
vehicle may spin out of control. This is especially true when driving on wet or
slippery road surfaces.
■Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer colliding with your
vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approaching turns and take them
slowly and carefully to avoid sudden braking.
■Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve than the
wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the turns wider than you
would normally do.
■Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong cross-
winds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by passing buses or
large trucks. Frequently check behind when moving alongside such vehicles.
As soon as such vehicle movement occurs, immediately start to decelerate
smoothly by slowly applying the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight
ahead while braking.
Guidance
2604-5. Using the driving support systems
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
Lexus Safety System+∗
◆PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system)
→ P. 2 6 9
◆LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist)∗
→P. 2 8 1
◆LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control)∗
→P. 2 9 0
◆AHS (Adaptive High-beam System)∗
→P. 2 4 0
◆Automatic High Beam∗
→P. 2 4 5
◆RSA (Road Sign Assist)
→P. 2 9 8
◆Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range∗
→P. 3 0 3
◆Dynamic radar cruise control∗
→P. 3 1 5
∗: If equipped
The Lexus Safety System+ consists of the following drive assist systems and
contributes to a safe and comfortable driving experience:
WA R N I N G
■Lexus Safety System+
The Lexus Safety System+ is designed to operate under the assumption that the driver
will drive safely, and is designed to help reduce the impact to the occupants and the
vehicle in the case of a collision or assist the driver in normal driving conditions.
As there is a limit to the degree of recognition accuracy and control performance that
this system can provide, do not overly rely on this system. The driver is always responsi-
ble for paying attention to the vehicle’s surroundings and driving safely.
2614-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
The pre-crash safety system is equipped with a sophisticated computer that will
record certain data, such as: • Accelerator status
•Brake status
• Vehicle speed
• Operation status of the pre-crash safety system functions
• Information (such as the distance and relative speed between your vehicle
and the vehicle ahead or other objects)
The pre-crash safety system does not record conversations, sounds or pictures.
●Data usage
Lexus may use the data recorded in this computer to diagnose malfunctions,
conduct research and development, and improve quality.
Lexus will not disclose the recorded data to a third party except: • With the consent of the vehicle owner or with the consent of the lessee if
the vehicle is leased
• In response to an official request by the police, a court of law or a govern-
ment agency
• For use by Lexus in a lawsuit
• For research purposes where the data is not tied to a specific vehicle or vehicle owner
Vehicle data recording
2704-5. Using the driving support systems
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
◆Pre-crash braking*3
When the system determines that the possibility of a frontal collision is high,
the system warns the driver. If the system determines that the possibility of a
collision is extremely high, the brakes are automatically applied to help avoid
the collision or reduce the collision speed.
*3: Depending on the region in which the vehicle was sold, the pre-crash braking function may not be available.
◆Suspension control (if equipped)
When the system determines that the possibility of a frontal collision is high,
the Adaptive Variable Suspension system ( →P. 345) will control the damping
force of the shock absorbers.
◆Steering control (if equipped)
When the system determines that the possibility of a frontal collision is high
and the driver is operating the steering wheel, the LDH system ( →P. 345) will
control the turning angle of the front an d rear wheels and effort necessary to
turn the steering wheel.
WA R N I N G
■Limitations of the pre-crash safety system
●The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to
observe your surroundings.
Do not use the pre-crash safety system instead of normal braking operations under
any circumstances. This system will not pr event collisions or lessen collision damage
or injury in every situation. Do not overly rely on this system. Failure to do so may lead
to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
●Although this system is designed to help av oid a collision or help reduce the impact of
the collision, its effectiveness may change according to various conditions, therefore
the system may not always be able to achieve the same level of performance.
Read the following conditions carefully. Do not overly rely on this system and always
drive carefully.
• Conditions under which the system may oper ate even if there is no possibility of a
collision: →P. 2 7 5
• Conditions under which the system may not operate properly: →P. 2 7 8
●Do not attempt to test the operation of the pre-crash safety system yourself, as the
system may not operate properly, possibly leading to an accident.
2844-5. Using the driving support systems
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
WA R N I N G
■Before using LKA system
Do not rely solely upon the LKA system. LKA is not a system which automatically
drives the vehicle or reduces the amount of attention that must be paid to the area in
front of the vehicle. The driver must always assume full responsibility for driving safely
by always paying careful attention to the surrounding conditions and operate the steer-
ing wheel to correct the path of the vehicle. Also, make sure to take adequate breaks
when fatigued, such as from driving for a long period of time.
Failure to perform appropriate driving operations and pay careful attention may lead to
an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
■To avoid operating LKA by mistake
When not using the LKA system, use the LKA switch to turn the system off.
■Situations unsuitable for LKA
Do not use the LKA system in the following situations.
The system may not operate properly and lead to an accident, resulting in death or
serious injury.
●A spare tire, tire chains, etc., are equipped.
●When the tires have been excessively worn, or when the tire inflation pressure is low.
●Tires which differ by structure, manufacturer, brand or tread pattern are used.
●Objects or patterns that could be mistaken for white (yellow) lines are present on the
side of the road (guardrails, curbs, reflective poles, etc.).
●Vehicle is driven on a snow-covered road.
●White (yellow) lines are difficult to see due to rain, snow, fog, dust, etc.
●Asphalt repair marks, white (yellow) line ma rks, etc., are present due to road repair.
●Vehicle is driven in a temporary lane or restricted lane due to construction work.
●Vehicle is driven on a road surface which is slippery due to rainy weather, fallen snow,
freezing, etc.
●Vehicle is driven in traffic lanes other than on highways and freeways.
●Vehicle is driven in a construction zone.
●Vehicle is towing a trailer or another vehicle.
■Preventing LKA system malfunctions and operations performed by mistake
●Do not modify the headlights or place stickers, etc., on the surface of the lights.
●Do not modify the suspension etc. If the suspension etc. needs to be replaced, con-
tact any authorized Lexus dealer or repair er, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional.
●Do not install or place anything on the hood or grille. Also, do not install a grille guard
(bull bars, kangaroo bar, etc.).
●If your windshield needs repairs, contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
2924-5. Using the driving support systems
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
WA R N I N G
■Before using LDA system
Do not rely solely upon the LDA system. LDA is not a system which automatically
drives the vehicle or reduces the amount of attention that must be paid to the area in
front of the vehicle. The driver must always assume full responsibility for driving safely
by always paying careful attention to the surrounding conditions and operate the steer-
ing wheel to correct the path of the vehicle. Also, make sure to take adequate breaks
when fatigued, such as from driving for a long period of time.
Failure to perform appropriate driving operations and pay careful attention may lead to
an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
■To avoid operating LDA by mistake
When not using the LDA system, use the LDA switch to turn the system off.
■Situations unsuitable for LDA
Do not use the LDA system in the following situations.
The system may not operate properly and lead to an accident, resulting in death or
serious injury.
●A spare tire, tire chains, etc., are equipped.
●When the tires have been excessively worn, or when the tire inflation pressure is low.
●Tires which differ by structure, manufacturer, brand or tread pattern are used.
●Objects or patterns that could be mistaken for white (yellow) lines are present on the
side of the road (guardrails, curbs, reflective poles, etc.).
●Vehicle is driven on a snow-covered road.
●White (yellow) lines are difficult to see due to rain, snow, fog, dust, etc.
●Asphalt repair marks, white (yellow) line ma rks, etc., are present due to road repair.
●Vehicle is driven in a temporary lane or restricted lane due to construction work.
●Vehicle is driven on a road surface which is slippery due to rainy weather, fallen snow,
freezing, etc.
●Vehicle is driven in traffic lanes other than on highways and freeways.
●Vehicle is driven in a construction zone.
●Vehicle is towing a trailer or another vehicle.
■Preventing LDA system malfunctions and operations performed by mistake
●Do not modify the headlights or place stickers, etc., on the surface of the lights.
●Do not modify the suspension etc. If the suspension etc. needs to be replaced, con-
tact any authorized Lexus dealer or repair er, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional.
●Do not install or place anything on the hood or grille. Also, do not install a grille guard
(bull bars, kangaroo bar, etc.).
●If your windshield needs repairs, contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
3044-5. Using the driving support systems
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
WA R N I N G
■Before using dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range
Driving safely is the sole responsibility of the driver. Do not rely solely on the system,
and drive safely by always paying ca reful attention to your surroundings.
The dynamic radar cruise control with full- speed range provides driving assistance to
reduce the driver’s burden. However, there are limitations to the assistance provided.
Even when the system is functioning norma lly, the condition of the preceding vehicle as
detected by the system may differ from the condition observed by the driver. There-
fore, the driver must always remain alert, as sess the danger of each situation and drive
safely. Relying on this system or assuming the system ensures safety while driving can
lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
■Cautions regarding the driving assist systems
Observe the following precautions, as there are limitations to the assistance provided
by the system.
Failure to do so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
●Assisting the driver to measure following distance
The dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range is only intended to help the
driver in determining the fo llowing distance between the driver’s own vehicle and a
designated vehicle traveling ahead. It is not a mechanism that allows careless or inat-
tentive driving, and it is not a system that can assist the driver in low-visibility condi-
tions. It is still necessary for driver to pay close attention to the vehicle’s surroundings.
●Assisting the driver to judge proper following distance
The dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range determines whether the fol-
lowing distance between the driver’s own vehicle and a designated vehicle traveling
ahead is within a set range. It is not capable of making any other type of judgement.
Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for the driver to remain vigilant and to determine
whether or not there is a possibility of danger in any given situation.
●Assisting the driver to operate the vehicle
The dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range has limited capability to pre-
vent or avoid a collision with a vehicle trave ling ahead. Therefore, if there is ever any
danger, the driver must take immediate and direct control of the vehicle and act
appropriately in order to ensure the safety of all involved.
■To avoid inadvertent dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range activation
Switch the dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range off using the “ON/OFF”
button when not in use.