21 Feb 18
News

Driver assist tech leads to distraction

Drivers in cars with automatic braking, lane maintenance systems or other semi-autonomous features report higher rates of distraction than drivers in cars without such features. 

According to 'Driving to Distraction', a survey by Esurance, 43% of drivers in cars with driver assist technology reported being 'occasionally' distracted, while 21% said they were 'often' distracted. Together, that's 64%, and significantly more than for drivers without driver assist technology: only 39% said they were 'occasionally' distracted, while 16% said they were 'often' distracted – together, 55%.

Despite the higher rates of distraction, drivers of cars with driver assist technology feel safer, the report found: 46% of drivers believe the technology enhances their on-road behaviour (versus only 10% who think it hinders their driving). 

Features such as lane maintenance and emergency braking may end up giving drivers a false sense of security, the report concludes. This would explain the higher rates of distraction. However, over-reliance on semi-autonomous features could lead to deadly accidents. 

Other findings of the report:

  • One in four drivers with new technology in their car have deactivated at least one feature. 
  • 29% of drivers with in-car technology admit that the warning sounds themselves (e.g. when drifting into another lane) are distracting.
  • The wide range of options and buttons provides the confidence for drivers to take their hands, eyes and minds off the road.
Authored by: Frank Jacobs