If you have purchased a car recently, you’ve probably noticed several advanced features that are changing the way we look at car design. And thanks to that advanced engineering and technology, today’s cars are safer than ever.
An analysis by the IIHS found that forward collision warning combined with automated emergency braking cuts front-to-rear crashes with injuries by more than half (56%). Thus, you’d think most drivers would be excited about the safety provide by modern technology.
Not so fast.
A national survey by Erie Insurance found that not everyone is so keen on taking advantage, and that many drivers are intentionally turning off or disabling these features that can ultimately help them avoid crashes.
So, which features are drivers toggling off, and why? The largest percentage of drivers surveyed (30%) said they had disabled adaptive cruise control, which keeps a vehicle a specific distance from the car in front of it by applying the brakes if it gets too close.
The other feature most disabled was lane keeping assist, which helps prevent the car from straying across lane markings by automatically making light braking or minor steering adjustments. Almost a quarter of drivers (23%) said they turned off lane keeping assist.
So why are drivers turning of features, that in theory, should make the safer? In the survey, drivers said their most common reasons for turning off or disabling features is that they find them “annoying” or “distracting.”
Regardless about how you feel about evolving technology in vehicles, it’s important to trust your driving instincts, drive defensively, and be sure to have insurance with proper coverage. Drive safely this winter!
Remember, if you’ve been injured in any type of vehicle accident, you can contact our office for a free consultation at 215-642-2335 or cordiscosaile.com.
