Providing fleet drivers with increased education on the vital benefits of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) could stop many from switching off such systems on the road.

41% of drivers intentionally switch off safety systems such as autonomous emergency braking or lane deviation warning whilst driving

Research carried out by Autoglass has found that 41% of drivers intentionally switch off safety systems such as autonomous emergency braking or lane deviation warning whilst driving and also reveals there is still a lack of knowledge and awareness about how to properly use and maintain the systems.

The survey of 1,387 UK drivers uncovered that nearly a quarter (24%) of drivers with ADAS-enabled vehicles said they were not provided with any information about the importance of these features and how they work when they had the vehicle handed over to them

And a total of 55% of drivers were unaware that the cameras and sensors that underpin ADAS systems need to be recalibrated when the windscreen is replaced while 52% didn’t know that body repair work also requires recalibration of such systems.

When asked, two-thirds (67%) of drivers agreed that more education is needed around the importance of ensuring this technology is properly maintained.

The number of fleet vehicles fitted with ADAS is fast-increasing – BVRLA research this summer said the number of ADAS-enabled vehicles on UK roads had hit 4.5 million – and Neil Atherton, sales and marketing director at Autoglass, said it was vital that fleets got on board with such education work.

“ADAS can help keep drivers and passengers safe, but only if the technology is switched on and operating correctly. ADAS is becoming more and more common in UK fleets and so more should be done to educate drivers, to encourage positive behaviour and ensure the systems are being used correctly.”

He added: “Fleet managers have a responsibility to not only help drivers understand the benefits of these systems but also to review their supply chain to ensure the vehicles are being maintained to the correct standards.”

Autoglass is continuing its own work to ensure it can meet increasing demand for recalibration; it opened 12 new centres this year, taking the total number of centres in the UK to 90. The majority of these new centres are pods located in accessible locations, including retail centres and supermarket car parks, to provide fleets with a more convenient service.

Atherton added: “Looking ahead to 2021, we are continuing our plans of opening more centres to ensure we are doing all we can to keep fleet drivers safe on the roads.”