Drivers confused with advanced car safety features, U.S. study says

Buyers of new cars that are equipped with driver-assist features are often confused about what these features actually do, leading them to miss out on the benefits. 

A Consumer Reports study reveals many drivers are confused by current ADAS iterations

This was according to a study done by U.S.-based consumer advocacy group Consumer Reports (CR) in 2021, where owners of more than 35,000 vehicles gave insights on how they understood advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and how often they used the features in everyday driving. 

“Steering wheels have become cluttered with unrecognizable symbols to operate ADAS features, which drivers have to somehow distinguish and understand while they’re out on the road,” said CR senior director for auto testing Jake Fisher. 

He adds that this is compounded by the cacophony of warnings, beeps, buzzing, and display chimes, all of which annoy users and lead them to turn the features off altogether. “But if they turn the systems off, that completely defeats their purpose – and then no one on the road benefits from them.” 

The results of the 2021 ADAS Survey of CR members revealed that respondents look for increased driver customization in ADAS features, such as: 

• The ability to adjust the acceleration and deceleration levels for adaptive cruise control
• Regulating how quickly lane-keeping or lane-departure warning systems intervene
• The ability to choose a preferred warning (e.g. a beeping chime, steering-wheel vibration, steering-wheel tug)   

CR believes that allowing drivers to customize these features could lead to both higher satisfaction and usage, as the sensitivity can be adjusted to minimize frequent false alarms. 

The report also recommends that automakers make ADAS features easier to understand, including displays and warnings on the instrument cluster explaining the reasons why a feature cannot be accessed in certain situations. Some of those reasons include adverse weather or road conditions, but these are often not communicated clearly to drivers, leading them to just turn the systems off.

Increased customization will allow drivers to choose between audible chimes and haptic feedback for warnings  

“Consumers seek out ADAS features that promised improved safety and convenience when they are shopping for new vehicles,” said CR manager of vehicle technology Kelly Funkhouser. “But if they don’t understand what the feature is supposed to do, how it works, or even how to turn it on or off, they may not use the feature after they buy the vehicle.” 

CR has released its ADAS design guidance to carmakers, a result of its years of collaboration with other consumer safety and education groups such as the American Automobile Association, J.D. Power, and SAE International. They have been pushing for the adoption of standardized ADAS terminology to reduce confusion among buyers about the intent and functionality of these systems.     

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