Humans improve their understanding of new technology after using it for a while. However, a recent study by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety suggests that this is not the case with Adaptive Cruise Control.
The foundation examined the understanding level of new vehicle owners regarding the car’s technology. It studied how this changed over the first six months.
The research says that as drivers learn to use the system on the go, it leaves gaps in completely understanding it. A group of drivers that receives proper training outperforms the one that learns the system on the go.
The foundation also discovered an alarming number of overconfident drivers.
Such drivers are more likely to make mistakes than those who take a cautious approach.
The viewpoint of AAA Foundation’s Executive Director
Dr. David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation, agrees that self-education only gets you so far.
In contrast, those who take proper training in the vehicle’s technology use the system much more effectively.
Which Technology Was Used For This Study By AAA Foundation?
The AAA Foundation used the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system for this study. The highlight feature of the ACC is that it employs the vehicle’s brakes and acceleration for maintaining a constant gap from the front vehicle.
How Many Drivers Were Involved In The Study?
The study encompassed a total of 39 experienced drivers. They ranged from 25 to 65 years of age. However, none of them had the ACC technology in their previous cars.
What Were The Main Findings Of The Research?
Here is what the research found:
- During the first six months many new drivers were able to discover the limitations of ACC;
- Drivers learned the system through regular use. However, their understanding was limited when compared to those who received extensive system training;
- The overconfident drivers mostly didn’t understand how the system works. Still, they were highly confident about their knowledge.
What Gaps & Misunderstandings Did The Drivers Have?
Some of the major gaps and misunderstandings that the drivers had included:
- Believing that stationary objects in their lane, such as construction cones or other obstacles, will cause the system to react;
- Thinking that the system will provide steering input for keeping the vehicle in the lane;
- Considering that the system will operate in all weather conditions.
What Does The Research Suggest?
This latest research from the AAA Foundation has a lot to suggest, which includes:
- The advanced modern-day driving assist system needs to be properly understood by drivers. This is not possible through trial and error;
- Getting extensive system training for properly understanding this driver-assist system is a must.
According to AAA Foundation, new drivers must follow this PLAN
Purpose: Request hands-on training at the dealership. Read the vehicle’s owner’s manual. Also, visit the manufacturer’s website for learning the purpose of driving assistance technology.
Limitations: Make no assumptions about what technology can or cannot do. So, it’s a great idea to know its limitations. A driving assistance system is not the same as a self-driving vehicle.
Allow Time For Practice: For knowing the system inside out, time for safe on-road practice is a must.
Never Rely On It: While the system is there to assist the drivers, they must not completely rely on it and stay mentally sharp at all times during driving.
Final Verdict
This study offers an insight into how we should use modern driving assist systems for a comfortable driving experience.
These systems can be beneficial for us in daily use, but if used incorrectly, the results can be far from what was initially desired.
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