Millions of drivers could be missing out on the benefits of potentially lifesaving in-vehicle assistance aids when they’re behind the wheel with new research showing that a third (33%) of drivers never use them.
Out of six of the most prominent driving assistance aids in modern vehicles – including collision warnings and cruise control – and among those whose vehicles have these technologies, only a quarter (25%) say they regularly or often use them. In contrast, one-in-five (19%) rarely use these aids or have used them only once.
A worrying third (33%) say they never use the technology. Just over a fifth of drivers (22%) state their vehicle doesn’t have the technology, but this varies depending on individual assistance features. The findings were based on a survey of 2,008 drivers for road safety charity IAM RoadSmart’s 2024 Road Safety Report.
Speed warnings on the dashboard is the most frequently enabled aid, with 28% regularly using this, followed by cruise control with 27% often using this technology.
However, cruise control as well as adaptive cruise control also has the highest proportion of people never using them (34%) despite the vehicle having this system. Just 23% of drivers regularly use collision warning assistance, with more drivers (25%) saying their vehicle does not have it installed.
There are significant differences in frequency of use depending on age and gender. Drivers aged 17-34 are around twice as likely to use driver assistance systems compared to someone aged 70 or over, while their use is also higher among male drivers. Those travelling at least 10,000 miles or more a year are also far more likely to be engaged with this technology, primarily because they may use it for work journeys.
Driver assistance systems have become far more prevalent on newer vehicles over the last decade, with many now including adaptive cruise control, intelligent speed assist, lane departure warnings and emergency braking systems among many others.
More advanced systems such as drowsy driver warnings and automated lane keeping systems are providing even greater protection for those on the road, but there is concern that many of these benefits are not being used by drivers, potentially endangering themselves and others in the process.
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.”
“While we need more consumer awareness of how these aids work, it’s important to remember that driver assistance systems should always compliment safe driving rather than be a replacement for it.”
IAM RoadSmart provides a free online ADAS guide which provides individuals and businesses with an explanation on the latest technology alongside analysis on ho
