ADAS features ignored by drivers, says IAM RoadSmart
New research by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has found that a third of drivers never use in-vehicle ADAS features that can prevent collisions.
Of the drivers who have access to the six most common driver assistance aids, only 25% used them regularly, 19% rarely use them and 33% never do.
This is based on a survey of 2,008 drivers carried out for the charity’s 2024 Road Safety Report.
Among the features included in the analysis were adaptive cruise control, intelligent speed assist, lane departure warnings and emergency braking systems.
ADAS features
Speed warnings on the dashboard is the most frequently enabled aid, with 28% regularly using this, followed by cruise control (27%), and collision warning assistance (23%).
Meanwhile, drivers aged 17-34 are around twice as likely to use driver assistance systems compared to someone aged 70 or over, while usage is also higher among male drivers.
IAM RoadSmart director of policy and standards Nicholas Lyes said: “It’s ironic that so many rely on technology on a day-to-day basis, yet within their vehicles, drivers at best seem ambivalent about using technology systems that could save their lives if these were engaged.
“Part of the issue is likely to be a lack of understanding of how each of these systems can benefit them. Many might switch off certain systems because the alarm might be irritating or because they don’t like the feel of the steering wheel autocorrecting to keep the vehicle in a lane.
“Manufacturers are consistently improving the technology, but this will take time. There’s potentially an exercise for both individuals and fleet managers to ensure drivers and colleagues learn more about these systems, as well as advisories being added into the next round of Highway Code changes.”
