Around two-thirds of high-mileage UK drivers are turning off advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in their vehicles, according to research by IAM Roadsmart.
The road safety charity surveyed more than 2,000 drivers for its 2024 Road Safety Report, and found that among drivers covering more than 10,000 miles a year – who it said were typically business drivers – 68% didn’t use lane-keeping technology, while 66% did not use speed limiter and collision warning systems.
The most frequently used aids were found to be cruise control and adaptive cruise control systems, used by 40% of respondents, while 37% used speed warnings.
IAM Roadsmart director of policy and standards Nicholas Lyes said: “It’s ironic that so many businesses rely on technology on a day-to-day basis, yet within their fleet vehicles, their drivers at best seem ambivalent about using technology systems that could save their lives if these were engaged.
“Through the simple fact that they spend the largest amount of time out on the road, high-mileage drivers run the greatest risk of being involved in an accident. However, our data shows that these drivers are missing out on using critical vehicle aids which will improve both their comfort and their safety.
“Part of the issue is likely to be a lack of understanding among drivers about how each of these systems can benefit them, with some businesses not providing adequate training on why these technologies should be used.
“Many might switch off certain systems because the alarm might be irritating or because they don’t like the feel of the steering wheel autocorrecting to keep the vehicle in a lane. Manufacturers are consistently improving the technology, but this will take time.
“There’s potentially an exercise for both individuals and fleet managers to ensure drivers and colleagues learn more about these systems, as well as advisories being added into the next round of Highway Code changes.”
