How much do you trust the active driving assistance systems (ADAS) that come standard in many new cars? If you're skeptical about the capabilities of this technology, then you may be right, according to a recent AAA study.
ADAS technology is designed to help mitigate crashes caused by human error. It does this by taking over certain driving functions and alerting drivers of impending crash risks. While ADAS technology may sound promising to many consumers, researchers at AAA found that ADAS can actually interfere with driving rather than assist drivers.
ADAS is classified as Level 2 driving automation on a scale of 0-5 by the SAE International. This means that they provide assistance with steering, braking, acceleration, lane centering and adaptive cruise control.
Where does ADAS technology fail?
AAA researchers examined the performance of ADAS during the course of 4,000 miles of real-world driving. It was discovered that this technology usually worked as expected, but failed when needed most, about every eight miles. If ADAS fails, drivers who aren't fully engaged in driving are at risk.
Researchers found that on public roadways:
- 73% of errors were linked to lane departure and lane positioning
- In aggregate test scenarios, collisions occurred 66% of the time at an average speed of 25 mph
Greg Brannon is the director of automotive engineering and industry relations for AAA. He asserts that ADAS does not always perform consistently. He says ADAS manufacturers must work on improving this technology and making it more reliable.
“Active driving assistance systems are designed to assist the driver and help make the roads safer, but the fact is, these systems are in the early stages of their development,” said Brannon. “With the number of issues we experienced in testing, it is unclear how these systems enhance the driving experience in their current form. In the long run, a bad experience with current technology may set back public acceptance of more fully automated vehicles in the future.”
The dangers of relying too much on ADAS technology
Those who have purchased new cars or intend to do so should educate themselves on the functionality and limitations of ADAS technology. The problem with relying on ADAS technology to help prevent crashes is that drivers may become complacent or inattentive. When an ADAS feature suddenly fails to do what it was designed to do, the consequences can be catastrophic. That's why drivers are responsible for staying fully engaged behind the wheel and preventing human error by avoiding all distractions.
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash because another driver failed to stay attentive, you may be eligible for compensation. An experienced Laredo, Texas car accident attorney at can help you recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage and non-economic damages (including pain and suffering).
Let attorney John R. Solis investigate your crash, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for a fair financial settlement on your behalf. Contact us online and schedule your free and confidential case evaluation.