Millions of UK drivers are failing to take advantage of potentially lifesaving in-vehicle technology, according to new research by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart.
The organisation’s 2024 Road Safety Report, based on a survey of over 2,000 drivers, found that only a quarter (25%) regularly use driver assistance aids, despite many modern vehicles being equipped with features designed to prevent collisions and improve comfort.
Alarmingly, a third (33%) of drivers admitted they never use these systems at all, while a further 19% said they rarely use them or had only tried them once.
The most frequently used assistance feature is speed warnings on dashboards, which 28% of respondents say they use regularly. Cruise control followed closely at 27%, but it also had the highest rate of neglect, with 34% of drivers saying they never use it, even when available.
Other key technologies, such as collision warning systems, are also being underused, with only 23% of drivers actively engaging with the feature. Notably, 25% of drivers say their vehicle does not include collision warning technology, though this figure varies depending on the specific aid.
Younger Drivers and High-Mileage Users More Likely to Embrace Tech
The data reveals notable differences in usage depending on age, gender, and driving habits. Drivers aged 17 to 34 are nearly twice as likely to use driver assistance features compared to those aged 70 and over. Male drivers also tend to engage with in-vehicle technology more than female drivers.
Additionally, drivers who travel more than 10,000 miles per year, often for work purposes, are more likely to utilise these systems — highlighting a correlation between high mileage and tech familiarity.
Safety Tools Still Underused Despite Advances
Modern cars increasingly come equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, intelligent speed assist, lane departure warnings, and emergency braking systems. More sophisticated tools like drowsiness detection and automated lane-keeping are also gaining popularity.
However, IAM RoadSmart warns that the full potential of these technologies is being lost due to lack of awareness, misunderstanding of their purpose, or simple reluctance to use them.
“A Missed Opportunity for Safer Roads”
Nicholas Lyes, IAM RoadSmart’s Director of Policy and Standards, said:
“It’s ironic that so many rely on technology daily, yet inside their vehicles, drivers seem ambivalent about using systems that could save their lives.
Many drivers may disable features because they find them intrusive or unfamiliar. There’s clearly a need for better education — both at individual and fleet level — so drivers understand how these systems work and how they can improve road safety.”
Lyes added that while manufacturers continue to enhance in-car technology, driver awareness and training remain essential. He also suggested the inclusion of ADAS guidance in future Highway Code updates.
Free ADAS Guide Available
To help bridge the knowledge gap, IAM RoadSmart has launched a free online ADAS guide, created in collaboration with the FIA Region 1 Hi-Drive campaign. The guide offers a comprehensive overview of modern driving aids, including explanations of dashboard warnings and in-vehicle controls.
Vehicle familiarisation courses for van operators and businesses are also available through IAM RoadSmart to improve confidence and safety among fleet drivers.
