Study finds drivers switch off safety systems

ADAS includes features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and adaptative cruise control. These functions aim to improve the safety of the vehicle, passengers and roads users by reducing human error and preventing collisions.

Despite this, half of UK drivers have deliberately turned off their ADAS at some point, while 24% admitted they don’t know how to use ADAS.

But 85% of drivers are supportive of ADAS, agreeing that all vehicles should have standardised features, contrary to the assumption that distrust in the technology is the main reason for it being disabled.

Ed Colley, head of brand and marketing, at Autoglass, said: “There is currently a critical knowledge gap within the UK which is causing many drivers to disable their safety features. The issue isn’t a lack of trust in technology, but an ambivalence caused by a lack of understanding of the benefits of the systems.

“Safety technology can save lives on the road, but only if it is switched on and operating correctly. This research demonstrates how vital fully functional ADAS features are for the future of road safety.”