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Study finds drivers rely too much on new vehicle features, technology

Posted at 5:49 AM, Oct 22, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-22 10:58:06-04

new AAA study says drivers are relying too much on the new technology installed in vehicles. 

The study found 80 percent of drivers who had technology like blind spot monitoring installed in their vehicles "did not know the technology's limitations or incorrectly believed that the systems could monitor the roadway behind the vehicle or reliably detect bicycles, pedestrians, and vehicles passing at high speeds," according to AAA.

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When it came to forward collision and automatic emergency braking, the study found "nearly 40 percent did not know the system's limitations or confused the two technologies."

Despite what the study found, Cactus Auto Manager, Bruce Chamblain said he doesn't see an issue with the features.

"I've never seen it happen and I've been in the business for ten years and I've yet to hear of something like that happen, not saying that it doesn't happen but the odds of it happening is slim to very little, very very little," said Chamblain.

The AAA study went on to find false expectations for the technology can lead to misusing it and misunderstanding it. 

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AAA found 25 percent of drivers who use the blind spot monitoring or rear cross traffic alert systems rely solely on the technology without taking a look over their shoulder.

The study also found 25 percent of vehicle owners using forward collision monitoring or lane departure warning systems "felt comfortable engaging in other tasks while driving," according to AAA. 

Chamblain said even though he's never had an issue with the features he can see where drivers could be making mistakes. 

"The unfortunate part is the easier things become, the easier it is to I guess, pick up your phone and do that but you gotta discipline yourself that this is not for that," Chamblain said. 

Despite the study's findings that showed confusion with the features, the study also found 70 percent of drivers with the features in their vehicles would recommend them to other drivers.