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The Advanced Driver Assistance System is a combination of technologies that enhances driver safety and efficiency using sensors and cameras to detect hazards. It includes features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist, now common in most modern vehicles. This has revolutionized driver safety in the past 20 years, and auto manufacturers add more advanced safety features to vehicles every model year. To maximize the benefits of this technology, drivers must use it correctly. Unfortunately, drivers unfamiliar with its capabilities can become confused, causing mistakes, second-guess, hesitate, and even panic. We call this state of confusion, driver ADAS impairment.
Companies need to make drivers aware of the risks and prepare drivers to operate vehicles with technology that may be new to them.
Offer driver training that prepares driver response to road situations where ADAS is used. Training should include:
System overview
Specifics about the features available
Limitations of the technology
Ongoing communications about any fleet safety updates or changes
Even the best safety technology demands total driver commitment to understanding and accepting its proper use. Ignorance of the capabilities and limitations of these features, or the over-reliance on the system both define driver ADAS impairment.
Panicked reactions to pre-collision warnings Pre-collision warnings and cross-traffic alerts need immediate attention. If a driver who uses the rear parking assist and backup camera is unfamiliar with the frequency of the alert, panicked reactions – such as hitting the accelerator instead of the brake, can lead to a crash.
Lane departure warnings lead to driver complacency Drivers may rely too heavily on lane departure warning systems, assuming that they will always detect when the car is drifting out of its lane. This can lead to complacency and a failure to pay attention to the road ahead, potentially causing accidents.
Misunderstanding how automatic emergency braking works Some drivers falsely believe that automatic emergency braking systems will prevent all accidents. That misunderstanding can lead them to drive faster and pay less attention to their surroundings. Automakers are clear that any system may not always work as intended. Drivers relying on them completely (without time for driver involvement) is dangerous.
Over-reliance on rearview cameras Over-reliance or haphazard reliance of rearview cameras can lead to collisions, injuries, or worse. Drivers may ignore other vital information, such as the presence of pedestrians or other vehicles that are not visible on the camera.
Ignoring Advanced Safety Systems Drivers who are not familiar with the available vehicle safety features can make these systems ineffective by ignoring alerts or turning them off completely. This issue might be more common if your fleet has a long lifecycle. A driver transitioning from a vehicle with minimal safety features to a new one equipped with a comprehensive package can feel overwhelmed.
Car wash incidents are an unexpected vulnerability with this set of features.
Claims submitted through Element’s Accident Management program found that accidents have been occurring inside automated car washes from unexpected ADAS engagement.
Car washes can cause malfunctions or errors by interfering with the sensors and camera systems.
For example: the system might be unable to detect obstacles or false positives if a spray or brush blocks it. This blindness could lead to unanticipated braking, steering, or acceleration. Some vehicles have refused to go through the wash tunnel, or do not follow the track.
Drivers should be aware of the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions for using car washes with these vehicle features. Some manufacturers may advise against certain types of car washes or suggest disabling specific features before entering. Always consult your owner’s manual for detailed instructions.
Here are the key steps that driver safety and fleet managers can take to help drivers maximize safety:
Driver policy A fleet driver policy must include steps to ensure drivers understand ADAS systems and their proper use. It must also define the ways drivers can become over-reliant and the measures necessary to avoid over-reliance.
Driver confirmation of owner’s manual review Pool vehicle assignment safety process: Fleets must ensure drivers have all the information before driving pool vehicles. Implementing a vehicle hang tag system that describes the vehicle’s safety features and requires a signed testament of owner manual safety feature review by the driver is a risk mitigation best practice.
General driver training to build familiarity with new features It’s beneficial to get drivers familiar with general knowledge about this set of features, before delving into the specifics of any one vehicle. A driver training module is a good place to start. There are also industry resources that can help. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides a useful overview of ADAS technology that you can share with your drivers.
Specialized driver training Safety managers and fleet operators should review safety features, explain ADAS-related driver performance requirements, provide a demonstration, and practice the systems in a controlled environment, and test driver competency when providing a vehicle to a driver.
Updated EV fleet driver training Companies must keep drivers updated about any changes or updates to systems that affect their vehicles as technology advances. For example, introducing electric vehicles (EVs) that include several ADAS features as standard. Update driver training to include information about new safety equipment introduced in vehicle selectors.
Ongoing fleet safety communication Ongoing safety communications with drivers should expand beyond changes to safety equipment, and include updates from OEMs, stories, and company-specific trends. It’s useful for fleet managers to alert drivers to relevant safety issues, for example the use of ADAS-equipped vehicles in automated car washes. If drivers are warned about the high possibility of a crash inside the car wash, they would be more likely to look for more information about how their vehicle operates.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems help drivers navigate the road and avoid potential collisions. However, these features can distract drivers when they use the features incorrectly or view them as too complex.
From driver policy to driver training, fleet and safety managers already have many tools to change driver behavior and prevent driver ADAS impairment.
Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive safety program.