More drivers recognize the value of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) but are unaware of the technology’s limitations, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
ADAS includes lane keeping assist, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring systems.
Researchers found nearly 40 percent of drivers did not know forward collision warning’s and automatic emergency braking’s limitations or confused the two technologies, and 80 percent did not know blind spot monitoring has limitations or incorrectly believed it could reliably detect bicycles and pedestrians.
“When properly utilized, ADAS technologies have the potential to prevent 40 percent of all vehicle crashes and nearly 30 percent of traffic deaths,” Dr. David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, said. “However, driver understanding and proper use is crucial in reaping the full safety benefits of these systems. Findings from this new research show that there is still a lot of work to be done in educating drivers about proper use of ADAS technologies and their limitations.”
Fatal traffic crashes increased five percent between 2015 and 2016, with more than 37,400 people killed.
Automakers need to play a greater role in educating drivers about ADAS in the vehicles they purchase, Jake Nelson, AAA director of traffic safety advocacy and research, said.