Research from IAM RoadSmart has revealed that a third (33%) of drivers never utilise safety assistance systems such as cruise control or collision warnings, raising concerns about road safety.
The findings, published in the 2024 Road Safety Report by the road safety charity, are based on a survey of 2,008 drivers. Among six key driver assistance technologies, including collision warnings, cruise control and speed alerts, only 25% of respondents reported using these systems regularly or often. Meanwhile, 19% stated they rarely use them or had only tried them once.
Speed warnings emerged as the most frequently used feature, with 28% relying on them regularly, followed closely by cruise control at 27%. However, cruise control also ranked as the least used feature, with 34% of drivers admitting they never engage it. Only 23% reported regularly using collision warning assistance, while 25% said their vehicle does not have this feature.
Usage patterns also varied by demographic. Drivers aged 17–34 were roughly twice as likely to engage with driver assistance technology compared to those aged 70 or older. Additionally, men and those covering over 10,000 miles annually were more likely to use these systems.
Despite the widespread inclusion of driver assistance technology in modern vehicles, such as lane departure warnings, emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, many drivers continue to ignore these features, potentially limiting their road safety benefits.
Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at IAM RoadSmart, commented: “It’s ironic that so many people rely on technology in their daily lives, yet within their vehicles, drivers seem largely indifferent to using systems that could potentially save their lives.
“One key issue may be a lack of understanding regarding how these technologies work and their benefits. Some drivers may disable certain features because they find alerts annoying or dislike how the steering wheel autocorrects to maintain lane discipline.
“Manufacturers are consistently refining this technology, but change takes time. There’s an opportunity for both individual drivers and fleet managers to ensure they and their colleagues become more familiar with these systems. Future revisions to the Highway Code could also include additional guidance on these technologies.”
Lyes added: “While raising awareness is essential, it’s crucial to remember that driver assistance systems are designed to complement safe driving rather than replace it.”
IAM RoadSmart provides a free online ADAS guide and Vehicle Familiarisation courses to help both individual motorists and fleet operators better understand and engage with in-vehicle safety technology.