The Importance of Understanding Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in Modern Cars
As technology continues to advance in the automotive industry, there is a growing concern over the lack of understanding surrounding advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), leading to a ‘trust gap’ with modern cars. A recent survey conducted by technology specialist DG Cities revealed that 40% of respondents felt they did not receive adequate information about ADAS capabilities and limitations at the time of purchase.
The European Union’s General Safety Regulations 2 (GSR2) mandated the inclusion of assistance systems such as blind-spot monitoring and lane centring in new cars, with the goal of reducing road fatalities by half. However, the implementation of ADAS varies among car manufacturers, contributing to confusion among buyers.
Behavioural scientist Lara Suraci from DG Cities shared some insights from the survey, stating that a quarter of motorists were dissatisfied with the performance of their cars’ ADAS features, with one in ten expressing concerns about accuracy. This inconsistency in ADAS functionality and reliability poses a challenge for consumers when comparing different models.
Director of innovation at DG Cities, Balázs Csuvár, emphasized the need for clearer communication from car makers regarding ADAS capabilities. He noted that the lack of a unified marketing approach for ADAS has resulted in a lack of accountability in promoting and improving the technology.
Yousif Al-Ani, principal engineer of ADAS at Thatcham Research, highlighted the issue of outdated technology in newer car models, particularly in lower-priced vehicles. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about the continuous improvement of ADAS in newer car models.
To address the issue of consumer confusion, organizations like The Motor Ombudsman have implemented guidelines for car dealers to educate customers on the function and limitations of ADAS during vehicle handovers. Managing director Bill Fennell emphasized the importance of providing clear information to customers as ADAS features become more complex and widespread across different car brands.
It is essential for car manufacturers and dealers to bridge the ‘trust gap’ by enhancing transparency and education surrounding ADAS technology, ultimately improving the overall driving experience and safety for consumers.
