A recent survey conducted by UK car manufacturer JLR has highlighted that a significant portion of drivers are unfamiliar with how their advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) function. The survey found that 41% of UK drivers are unclear about the purpose of ADAS features, such as automatic braking, and are unable to locate the ADAS sensors on their vehicles.
The findings also revealed that nearly 20% of drivers are unaware that obstructions like dirt or ice can reduce the effectiveness of safety-critical ADAS features, including autonomous emergency braking and reversing collision detection systems.
In response to the survey results, JLR has initiated efforts to raise driver awareness about these technologies. The UK’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has collaborated with JLR and updated its official guidance and driver literature to include more information on ADAS, to educate the public about the importance of maintaining these systems.
Additional insights from the survey include statistics outlining that 36% of UK drivers have experienced their ADAS sensors malfunctioning due to being dirty; 20% of drivers do not plan to clean their vehicles more frequently, despite knowing that clean sensors are vital for ADAS functionality; and 22% of drivers do not clean their cars at least once a month.
JLR executive director of product engineering, Thomas Müller, explained, “Road safety in Europe has improved significantly in the last decade thanks in part to technological advances such as mandatory fitting of ADAS systems to new cars. However, it is vital that drivers learn about the systems fitted to their cars and how to operate and maintain them so that they work most effectively.
“In addition to warnings in JLR vehicle handbooks, we are launching a drive to increase awareness about ADAS systems, and we are pleased the UK government is taking steps to educate drivers in the UK about ADAS systems.”