In-car safety technology a turn-off for one in five drivers, crash index study finds
An alarming number of Victorian motorists refuse to use their vehicle’s lifesaving safety features such as lane assist technology — and there is a very straightforward reason why.
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One in five Victorian 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 of the reasons Victorian drivers cited for turning off is that they find them annoying, distracting or maybe too sensitive,’’ she told the Herald Sun.
“Some said they don’t need the assistance and others said they don’t trust them.
“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 rear-end crashes were the most common accident in Victoria, the highest of any state.
“Nose-to tail collisions are the most common type of crash on our roads – they’re expensive, occur frequently, but most importantly many are preventable.’’
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 was still the most dangerous time to be on the roads in Victoria, 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.’’
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.
The state’s road toll for this year has risen to 175 lives lost, 18 more than at the same time last year.
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
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