Some drivers ‘rarely use vehicle ADAS systems’
7 November 2024 
Many motorists using vehicles equipped with ADAS rarely or never use the systems, according to new data revealed today by UK road safety charity IAM RoadSmart.
The charity said a survey of drivers for its soon-to-be-released 2024 Road Safety Report revealed that 34% of respondents said they ‘never use’ adaptive cruise control — despite their vehicle having it.
Only a quarter of those surveyed said they used ADAS ‘often’, while 16% said they ‘rarely used’ the hi-tech support systems.
IAM’s figures came as the charity launched a campaign to boost understanding of the benefits of ADAS among drivers and fleet managers.
The educational initiative has been developed in partnership with the Hi-Drive Project and User Education Campaign led by the Brussel-based Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) region 1 office.
Hi-Drive is a research project co-funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme.
Videos
Course materials offer detailed information about existing and emerging technology in vehicles to help drivers and commercial fleet managers learn how such systems can improve road safety and mobility.
Materials include videos outlining the difference between driving aids and semi-autonomous features.
The campaign also aims to educate drivers about responding to dashboard warning systems and avoiding mechanical problems.
Meanwhile, IAM said Department for Transport figures indicated that driver and rider error were a contributory factor in 849 fatalities on Britain’s roads in 2023.
Driver error is the leading cause of fatalities on roads and underlines the need for better awareness and understanding of technology that can assist in reducing potentially lethal mistakes, IAM said.
‘Less stressful’
IAM RoadSmart commercial spokesperson Gary Bates said: “With more advanced technology being installed into new vehicles, it’s never been more important for drivers and fleet managers to have a greater understanding of the systems that can reduce collisions.
“Many of these systems will also make driving a less stressful experience so it will help drivers and fleet operators better manage their journeys.”
Justyna Beckmann, EU projects manager at FIA region 1 and leader of the Hi-Drive User Education Campaign said: “Automated driving could offer a wide range of opportunities for mobility, safety and the environment.
“However, it is important that users understand the benefits and limitations of existing ADAS and automated driving features in their vehicles. This will help increase user engagement with the technology while ensuring safe driving.”
Details of the campaign are online: https://www.hi-drive.eu/uec/