Fleet Drivers can be better prepared for risks associated with ADAS

13 March 2020

Drivetech has released the latest in its series of Whitepapers focusing on the range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (or, more popularly, ADAS) and how increasing automation is providing benefits, but also new challenges for drivers and driver training.

Newer vehicles feature a wealth of systems aimed at both improving driver experience and creating safer roads. ADAS innovations such as Driver Drowsiness Detection, Blind Spot Monitors, Collision Avoidance Systems, and even more familiar technology like Antilock Braking Systems (ABS) or Dashcams have been designed to reduce road risk. These systems are designed and implemented with the best intentions – to assist drivers in making better choices, to reduce the repetitive nature of some driving tasks, and to create safer roads.

However, as with every technological advancement, human behaviour is an essential factor. Overreliance on ADAS can create complacency and, somewhat counterintuitively, increase risk.

Dr.Lisa Dorn of Cranfield University, believes that the challenges of drivers’ behavioural adaptation ‘represents an opportunity for driver training to step up and deliver new structure and content.’ Training specialists that provide fleet driver instruction, like ourselves, need to understand the links between driver behaviour, implementation of ADAS systems and the importance of maintaining driving skills. ‘Driver training needs to address the requirements of driving in today’s vehicles, so that drivers are prepared for full automation,’ says Dr. Dorn. ‘How to avoid unwanted behavioural responses must be part of the fleet driver training curriculum if ADAS is to realise its potential to improve road safety’.

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