In-car safety technology a turn-off for one-in-five drivers, crash index study finds

An alarming number of Tassie motorists refuse to use their vehicle’s lifesaving safety features such as lane assist technology — and there is a very straightforward reason why.

The annual AAMI Crash Index shows drivers are most likely to shut off lane assist features. Picture: istock

One in five Tassie drivers routinely turn off their car’s safety features because the technology was too annoying or they felt they didn’t need it.

The annual AAMI Crash Index has revealed that drivers were most likely to shut off lane assist features, followed by adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning.

AAMI’s motor prevention manager Mary Kennedy said the safety features were proven to be worthwhile and should be kept on.

“Some said they don’t need the assistance and others said they don’t trust them,” she said.

“When you buy a new car take the time to understand what safety features are in your car and use them.’’

The survey also revealed that collision with a stationary object was the most common accident in Tasmania, the highest of any state.

Friday afternoons are the most dangerous time to be on the roads in Tasmania. Picture: iStock.

Lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist features are considered proven methods to aid safer driving, including in heavy vehicles, and can help to alert a sleepy driver.

Friday afternoons are the most dangerous time to be on the roads in Tassie, the survey also found.

“People are finishing up their work week and maybe there’s a bit more fatigue,’’ Ms Kennedy said.

“You’re also seeing more cars on the road as people are trying to get from A to B and maybe they’re going away for the weekend.’’

We also have the worst elderly drivers in the nation, according to the survey, with 21% of total crashes in Tasmania attributable to drivers aged 65+.

AAMI said the top safety features that were considered the most important to all drivers were a reversing camera, blind-spot detection and parking assist.

A 2022 study by the Monash University Accident Research Centre found that motorists who owned the least safe cars were eight times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in accidents compare to drivers in highly rated vehicles.

Forty-three people have been killed on Tasmanian roads in the 12 months to May 31, 2025, the biggest year-on-year road death increase in Australia, the Australian Automobile Association said.

The AAMI study is based on analysis of more than 480,000 claims and a recent survey of 2000 drivers over 18.

Originally published as In-car safety technology a turn-off for one-in-five drivers, crash index study finds