As technology evolves, more drivers are turning to partially automated systems to help with everyday driving. These driver-assistance features are marketed for increased safety and convenience, but new research suggests they might actually increase distracted driving—one of the leading causes of car accidents.
A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that drivers using these systems tend to rely more on automation and pay less attention to the road. "These results are a good reminder of the way people learn," said IIHS President David Harkey. "If you train them to think that paying attention means nudging the steering wheel every few seconds, then that's exactly what they'll do."
Studies Find Drivers With Automated Systems Focus Less On Driving
Two recent studies have highlighted how automated driving systems can lead to more distracted driving. In both cases, drivers were found to be less focused on the road when using these systems. "Drivers adapted their behavior to engage in distracting activities," Harkey noted in an interview with The Drive. "This demonstrates why partial automation systems need more robust safeguards to prevent misuse."
The first study looked at 29 volunteers driving 2017 Volvo S90 sedans with Pilot Assist over a four-week period. Researchers tracked whether drivers engaged in non-driving activities while using the automated system. The results showed that almost every driver became more distracted, with many eating or using their phones while driving. In fact, 30% of drivers using Pilot Assist were more distracted overall.
In the second study, IIHS researchers focused on Tesla's Autopilot technology, testing it on 14 people who had never used a partially automated system before. Over a month-long period, the drivers logged over 12,000 miles with Autopilot engaged while sensors tracked their attention levels and hand placement on the steering wheel. The study recorded 3,858 attention warnings, with around half of them involving drivers using only one hand or not moving their hands at all while driving.
How Do Partially Automated Systems Distract Drivers?
Partially automated systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking are meant to help drivers with specific tasks—not take over completely. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these technologies are designed to assist drivers, not replace them.
The problem? Many drivers put too much trust in these systems, creating a false sense of security. They assume their car can handle everything, which leads to complacency. This overconfidence often causes drivers to take their eyes off the road, lose focus, or engage in dangerous distractions.
When drivers believe their car is "in control," they might justify doing things they'd never do otherwise—like watching videos or reading while driving. These risky behaviors can significantly increase the chances of causing a serious accident.
How Common Are Car Accidents Caused by Driver-Assistance Systems?
While it's tough to determine exactly how many crashes are linked to driver-assistance systems, the data shows that these technologies may play a growing role in accidents. According to the NHTSA, more than 100 crashes in 2022 involved vehicles equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA is now investigating the impact of these systems on road safety.
As more vehicles come equipped with ADAS, crashes involving these features have steadily risen. While technologies like adaptive cruise control can help prevent rear-end collisions, they can also create new risks when drivers rely on them too heavily or misuse the systems.
What Are Other Common Causes of Distracted Driver Accidents?
While driver-assistance systems can contribute to distracted driving, many other distractions continue to play a significant role in car crashes. According to the NHTSA, distracted driving led to 3,142 fatalities in 2020. Here are some of the most common causes of distracted driving accidents:
- Texting while driving: Texting is one of the most dangerous distractions, pulling a driver's hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, and mind off driving—all at the same time.
- Talking on the phone: Even hands-free devices can lead to distraction. Talking on the phone diverts a driver's attention and slows reaction times.
- Eating or drinking: Grabbing a bite or taking a sip might seem harmless, but it can cause a loss of focus, especially if something spills or requires extra handling.
- Adjusting in-car systems: Tuning the radio, adjusting climate controls, or fiddling with the GPS may only take a second, but that second is enough to cause an accident.
- Daydreaming or lost in thought: Mental distractions, like daydreaming, are hard to spot but can be just as dangerous as physical distractions when they divert a driver's focus from the road.
Seeking legal help after being injured in a South Carolina crash
If you've been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you could be facing some unique legal hurdles. That's where a skilled South Carolina car accident lawyer can step in and make a difference. An attorney can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, collect key evidence to prove fault, and determine if another party's negligence caused the crash.
Your attorney will also handle all communications with insurance companies to ensure you're not shortchanged. This includes securing fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If negotiations don't result in a satisfactory outcome, your lawyer can take the case to court, fighting to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
At Johnson + Johnson, Attorneys At Law, we understand how to handle complex cases. Our results include a $200,000 settlement we secured for a client injured in a car accident. We also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. To see how we can help with your potential legal case, contact us today for a free consultation at our Lexington, SC, office.
