The study showed the impact on drivers of modern assistance systems: the results are alarming

>> technologies allow drivers to be increasingly distracted/freepik

As more cars are equipped with advanced driver assistance systems for speed control and steering, more drivers are using these technologies. Moreover, for performing tasks not related to driving a car.

This is the opinion of researchers from the Insurance Institute for Highway Traffic Safety (IIHS). They conducted research with the participation of 29 people for several years. It was possible to determine that drivers engaged in distracting activities 30 percent more when assistance systems were activated, writes Motor1.

A 2017 Volvo S90 with Pilot Assist and a 2020 Tesla Model 3 with Autopilot were used for the study. The IIHS notes that during the study, Volvo upgraded the system twice to improve its performance. In both cases, drivers must keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times.

In terms of what constitutes a distracting activity, the report specifically notes things like self-care, eating and using a cell phone that require some manual activity. Moreover, as drivers got used to the system, distractions became more and more. Over time, many drivers have also learned how often the warning systems go off and how to silence them to prevent the warnings from escalating.

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Drivers are increasingly distracted from the road/Photo marymarkevich< /p>

Armed with this information, the IIHS believes that automakers should go further in providing warnings and consequences to keep drivers focused on driving.

These results are a good reminder of how people learn – said IIHS President David Harkey. – If you teach them to think that paying attention means nudging the steering wheel every few seconds, that's exactly what they will do.

In both of these studies, drivers adapted their behavior to engage in distracting activities. This demonstrates why partially automated systems need more robust safeguards against abuse.

Earlier this year, the IIHS evaluated how their assistance systems monitor and warn drivers. Out of 14 systems, only Lexus received an acceptable rating. Two systems received low scores and the rest were unsatisfactory.

David Harkey noted that some drivers may find that partial automation makes long journeys easier, but there is little evidence that it makes driving safer. As numerous high-profile accidents show, it can create new risks if systems lack adequate safeguards.