According to new research from IAM RoadSmart, a significant proportion of drivers are failing to fully take advantage of driver assistance technologies that could reduce crashes and save lives.

The study was conducted as part of their annual Road Safety Report.

High mileage and drivers travelling for work appear to be particularly adverse to automated help behind the wheel.

Who needs help?

Only a quarter of drivers who travel more than 10,000 miles annually are consistently using advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

These technologies, which include lane-keeping assistance, speed limiters, and collision warning systems, have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of crashes.

Alarmingly, more than two-thirds (68%) of respondents admitted they do not use lane-keeping assist technology, while 66% do not engage their vehicle’s speed limiter or collision warning system.

The study surveyed 2,008 drivers, providing insight into the attitudes and habits of those who spend extensive time on the road.

Proven benefits

Despite strong evidence that ADAS can improve road safety, many business drivers seem reluctant to engage with these features.

Research from the European Commission suggests that ADAS technologies have the potential to reduce traffic accidents by 40%, yet IAM RoadSmart’s findings indicate that adoption remains inconsistent among those who would benefit the most.

Cruise control and adaptive cruise control emerged as the most frequently used aids, with 40% of respondents regularly using them.

Speed warnings followed closely, utilised by 37% of surveyed drivers.

However, IAM RoadSmart expressed concerns that many fleet drivers are not taking advantage of the available safety features, posing potential risks not only to themselves but also to other road users.

Additionally, businesses may face reputational and financial consequences when crashes occur due to the underutilisation of safety technology.

The generation gap

The study also highlighted differences in the adoption of driver assistance technology based on age and gender.

Younger drivers, particularly those aged 17-34, are nearly twice as likely to use these systems compared to drivers aged 70 and over.

Male drivers were also found to be more likely to engage driver assistance features than female drivers.

As vehicle technology has rapidly evolved, newer models now come equipped with a range of sophisticated ADAS features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, emergency braking systems, and drowsiness detection alerts.

While these innovations have the potential to enhance safety, their effectiveness is diminished if they are not actively used.

While the new tech is often good for marketing and selling models, the lack of training or help for new owners can put drivers off using them.

This may explain why younger generations, who are more used to and excited by new technology, are happier deploying it.

Who’s in the driving seat?

Nicholas Lyes, IAM RoadSmart’s director of policy and standards, emphasised the irony that businesses heavily rely on technology for daily operations, yet many fleet drivers neglect life-saving vehicle aids.

“High-mileage drivers spend more time on the road than most, putting them at greater risk of accidents. Our research suggests that these drivers are not making full use of crucial vehicle aids that could enhance their comfort and safety,” Lyes said.

A key challenge appears to be a lack of understanding about how these systems work.

Many drivers disable them due to irritation from alerts or discomfort with automated steering corrections.

Lyes urged businesses to ensure that fleet drivers receive proper training on the benefits of ADAS features.

“Manufacturers are continuously improving these systems, but adoption takes time. Education and awareness are crucial,” he said.

To help bridge this knowledge gap, IAM RoadSmart has launched a free online ADAS guide for individuals and businesses.

The guide explains the latest technologies and their role in improving road safety.

While driver assistance systems provide significant benefits, IAM RoadSmart believes that they should complement rather than replace safe driving practices.

With improved awareness and training, more fleet drivers may come to appreciate the value of these life-saving tools.

Road safety concerns

A national survey by Which?  also found that 54% of UK drivers regularly disable at least one core ADAS system.

They found that the most frequently disabled feature is Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), which became mandatory for new EU car models from July 2024.

While this is not required in the UK, most new vehicles still include ISA as standard.

Nearly half (46%) of UK drivers reported switching it off due to irritating alerts, inaccurate speed readings, and cumbersome menu navigation.

42% of drivers disabled lane-keeping assist, which was seen as intrusive, particularly on narrow roads. Some even reported the system steering them into danger.

Emergency braking, meant to prevent collisions, was deactivated by 34% of respondents, who found it unpredictable.

Experts warn that distrust in ADAS could undermine its benefits. Driving instructors are urged to educate learners on these technologies, as Euro NCAP plans to assess ease of use from 2026, encouraging better design and adoption.