A recent study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute has found that partially automated driving systems, specifically those that assist with steering on the highway, do not significantly improve road safety. This is in contrast to other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that have shown a notable reduction in crash and claim rates.
The study focused on older models of vehicles equipped with partial automation features such as the Nissan Rogue with ProPilot Assist and BMWs with Driving Assistant Plus. While previous studies have shown benefits of certain ADAS features, the current research did not find a significant difference in lane departure crashes between vehicles with lane departure warning and prevention systems versus those with partial automation in addition to these features.
Interestingly, BMWs with lane departure warning and prevention systems did have fewer lane departure crashes during daylight hours compared to cars without such systems. On the other hand, Nissan Rogues with ADAS systems did show a reduction in rear-end and lane departure crash rates, especially in vehicles with more advanced safety features.
The study also highlighted the importance of effective headlights in contributing to overall vehicle safety, as better-equipped vehicles tended to have more effective headlights. This emphasizes the significance of headlight quality in enhancing road safety, particularly on surface streets and roads with lower speed limits.
Lane-keeping systems have often been attributed to improving safety in vehicles, but the study suggests that the safety benefits of such systems may be overestimated. It is crucial for users and regulators to differentiate between partial automation features and true safety technologies to avoid misconceptions about the level of protection provided by these systems.
Moving forward, more research is needed to accurately assess the impact of lane-keeping systems on crash prevention. Telematics data from vehicles could provide valuable insights into how and when drivers engage with these systems, shedding light on their actual effectiveness in reducing accidents.
In conclusion, while some ADAS features have been proven to enhance road safety, the study indicates that partial automation systems may not be as effective in preventing crashes. It is essential for drivers to remain vigilant and avoid distractions even when using advanced driver assistance technologies to ensure their safety on the road.
