When the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) detects movement out of a lane, what alerts the driver?

The Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system is designed to enhance driving safety by alerting drivers when their vehicle is unintentionally drifting out of its lane. When the system detects that the vehicle is moving outside the boundaries of its lane without the use of turn signals, it provides crucial alerts to the driver.

The correct response indicates that a panel light illuminates and the steering wheel vibrates as a means of alerting the driver. This dual method of alert—visual and tactile—ensures that the driver receives a clear indication of the situation. The illuminated panel light serves as a visual cue, easily seen in the driver’s line of sight, while the vibration of the steering wheel provides a physical sensation that can be particularly effective in grabbing the driver's attention, especially in environments with higher noise levels or where audio alerts might be missed.

The other options do not align with standard LDW implementations; rather, they might include features from different systems. For instance, while some advanced driver-assistance systems may incorporate other types of alerts, the specific combination of panel light illumination and steering wheel vibration is a hallmark of the Lane Departure Warning system, making it easy for drivers to recognize when corrective action is necessary.