A new study suggests that while most advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) improve road safety, cruise control - both standard and adaptive - may have the opposite effect.
Researchers from the Netherlands analysed global crash data, focusing on 28 vehicle safety features and categorising them based on their level of driver involvement and urgency.
The findings reveal that while many systems reduce crash rates, cruise control increases the likelihood of accidents.
How different ADAS features impact crash rates
The study identified four types of ADAS features with varying levels of impact on crash rates.
Informing systems, such as tyre pressure monitoring, had no significant effect.
Warning systems, including lane departure alerts, contributed to a crash reduction of up to 19.1%.
Intervening systems, like driver monitoring, resulted in a 14% decrease in accidents.
However, comfort-enhancing systems, which are designed to reduce driver workload, showed an increase in crash rates, with cruise control being a primary concern.
Cruise control and driver distraction
Standard cruise control was linked to a 12% rise in crash risk, while adaptive cruise control (ACC) increased it by 1.8%.
Some data points indicated an even higher 8% rise in crashes associated with ACC. Researchers attribute this to driver distraction, as reliance on cruise control reduces active engagement with driving, leading to slower reactions and decreased situational awareness.
The risks of adaptive cruise control
ACC is designed to maintain safe following distances by adjusting speed automatically, but it can also create a false sense of security.
Some systems struggle to detect slow or stationary objects, increasing collision risks when drivers assume the system will react appropriately.
Not all vehicles equipped with ACC have automatic emergency braking (AEB), further compounding the dangers in unexpected situations.
What this means for drivers
Despite the growing adoption of ADAS, the study highlights the importance of active driver engagement. No technology can fully replace human awareness, and over-reliance on automation can lead to complacency.
Ultimately, responsibility for road safety remains with the driver, regardless of how sophisticated the vehicle's systems may be.