Safe way to travel
Drivers need lessons on how to use complex car systems, claims charity
MOTORISTS urgently need training on how to use modern cars’ driver aid features so they are a benefit and not a hazard, says a leading road safety charity.
IAM RoadSmart wants vehicle manufacturers, dealerships, the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency and driving instructors to provide comprehensive lessons about advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
The call for action follows the publication of a highly influential report by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), which found awareness and understanding of these functions is generally low among drivers.
Some of the most widely known ADAS – many of which will become mandatory in new vehicles from July 2022 – include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking systems, lane keeping assist and driver drowsiness/distraction monitoring.
The FIA report discovered most users do not receive any training when first encountering ADAS but have to rely on information from the car manual and, most alarmingly, by applying a “trial-and-error” method.
IAM RoadSmart boss Neil Greig said: “Advanced driver assistance systems have the potential to improve road safety but only if used correctly.
“If used incorrectly, not least without a full understanding of what the systems are and are not capable of, they can have the opposite effect, with potentially worrying consequences for all road users.
“IAM RoadSmart believes the time has now come to include a comprehensive lesson from every car dealer supplying vehicles and for more about ADAS to be included in the UK driving test.
“This is crucial as these tools begin to be supplied as standard on an increasing number of vehicles.”
The FIA report also calls for ADAS to function accurately more consistently in the real world and the introduction of fail-safe communications to alert users if any of the systems malfunction, helping to mitigate any potential road safety risk.
Greig added: “There needs to be a much higher emphasis on educating drivers in the best use of the ADAS technology.”
Meanwhile, GEM Motoring Assist has issued a timely reminder to motorists to ensure they avoid letting their cars’ fuel tanks get anywhere near empty.
Many drivers might be put off refuelling their cars because of the Covid restrictions and be tempted to make essential journeys with a tank that’s close to empty.
And, more recklessly, there are others who enjoy the challenge of seeing how far they can go with the fuel warning light on, says the road safety and breakdown organisation.
GEM chief Neil Worth said: “If you permit your car to run out of fuel, you risk serious damage to the engine as well as potentially putting yourself and your passengers at risk of a collision because you will not be choosing where the car finally gives up.”
Although it’s not an offence in its own right, there are cases where drivers have been prosecuted when a collision resulted from their running out of fuel and breaking down.
Worth concluded: “Check you have enough fuel for a journey. If you need to refuel, plan where you will stop so there is no risk whatsoever that you will run out.”