A third of drivers are failing to use potentially lifesaving technology in their vehicles amid calls to introduce new Highway Code rules, according to groundbreaking new research.
The IAM RoadSmart 2024 Road Safety Report reveals that despite modern vehicles being equipped with various assistance aids, 33 per cent of drivers never engage with these systems.
Only a quarter of motorists regularly use features such as collision warnings and cruise control, despite their potential to prevent accidents.
The findings, based on a survey of more than 2,000 drivers, highlight a concerning gap between the availability of safety technology and its actual use on British roads.
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Experts suggested Highway Code changes could be made to improve awareness of safety technology
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Speed warnings on dashboards emerged as the most frequently enabled aid, with 28 per cent of drivers regularly using this feature. Cruise control follows closely behind at 27 per cent regular usage.
However, cruise control also has the highest proportion of people never using it (34 per cent) despite their vehicles having this system, while just 23 per cent of drivers regularly use collision warning assistance.
A quarter of motorists reported their vehicles don't have collision warning systems installed. A further one in five drivers rarely use these aids or have used them only once.
Just over a fifth of drivers (22 per cent) state their vehicle doesn't have the technology, though this varies depending on individual assistance features.
Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at IAM RoadSmart, said it was "ironic" how so many people rely on technology in their daily lives, despite not using in-car features.
He described motorists as being "ambivolent" to using safety technology which could save their lives if they were to be engaged.
The expert added: "Part of the issue is likely to be a lack of understanding of how each of these systems can benefit them.
"Many might switch off certain systems because the alarm might be irritating or because they don't like the feel of the steering wheel autocorrecting to keep the vehicle in a lane."
The research reveals significant demographic differences in the use of driver assistance systems, with drivers aged between 17 and 34 twice as likely to use these technologies compared to those aged 70 or over.
High-mileage motorists are far more likely to use safety systems, especially if they travel at least 10,000 miles a year, which could be attributed to work-related journeys.
Lyes called for action from individuals and fleet managers to ensure drivers learn more about these systems.
He even suggested that further information and "advisories" could be added to the next round of Highway Code changes.
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Drivers are being urged to inform themselves of in-car safety features
PAThe road safety campaigner noted that manufacturers were constantly trying to improve their in-car safety technology, although it would take time before it was fully realised.
He added: "While we need more consumer awareness of how these aids work, it's important to remember that driver assistance systems should always complement safe driving rather than be a replacement for it."
