In 2018 and 2019, two Boeing 737 Max planes tragically crashed, resulting in the loss of nearly 350 lives. The aviation community largely agreed that the pilots were not adequately trained to handle the new MCAS safety system integrated into these jets. While this incident may not be a perfect analogy to the topic of this article, the underlying lessons remain the same: An over-reliance on safety technology can lead to people being worse at what they do.
Vehicle Safety: A Double-Edged Sword for Driver Competence
“Kids these days don't even know how to hook up a horse to a carriage” - Somebody in 1920
In 2008, when I first got my license and was learning to drive, back-up cameras were the latest safety feature trend. My dad questioned whether they were actually making me a better driver. Whenever I was in reverse, he wouldn’t let me use the back-up camera. He insisted I learn to reverse using mirrors and by looking over my shoulder. I remember feeling frustrated and confused about why he wanted it this way. I even compared it to ABS, asking if his dad made him turn off the ABS when he was learning. He dismissed my comparison, and as it turns out, he was right. A year later, I got my first car — a 1996 Acura Integra with no back-up camera.
In recent years, the automotive world and safety experts have been buzzing with excitement over the latest and greatest advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) designed to make our roads safer. But, there’s a growing pile of evidence suggesting that these well-meaning gadgets might be turning us into a bunch of less skilled drivers. This twist in the tale raises some big questions about what happens when we lean a bit too much on these automated safety features.
The Promise of Safety Technology
Modern vehicles come equipped with an array of sophisticated safety features, including:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warnings
- Blind spot detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear-view cameras
These technologies are designed to reduce accidents and save lives. Indeed, a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety projected that ADAS could prevent 37 million crashes, 14 million injuries, and nearly 250,000 deaths in the United States by 2050
Yearly Car Accident Death Rate — per 100,000 population, USA
Unintended Consequences
Despite their potential benefits, there are concerns that these safety systems may be fostering complacency and eroding fundamental driving skills. If you are somebody who gets the privilege to drive with somebody under 20 years old. There is a good chance that really do not have the "skills" to properly shoulder check their blind-spot or reverse without a back-up camera.
Over-reliance on Technology: A survey conducted in the United Kingdom revealed that among drivers with ADAS-equipped vehicles, 31% believe these features are making them worse drivers. This perception is not unfounded, as 15% of respondents admitted to "heavily relying" on ADAS while driving.
Skill Atrophy: As drivers become accustomed to relying on automated systems, essential skills like parallel parking, maintaining safe following distances, and checking blind spots may deteriorate. Greg Wilson, CEO of Quotezone, notes, "Things like parallel parking, timely braking, cruise control and navigation have all been taken out of the drivers control by automated car systems."
Distraction and Complacency: The presence of safety features can lead to a false sense of security. Shaun de Jager, a driving instructor with over a decade of experience, observes, "They're making (drivers) more complacent because they are drinking the marketing Kool-Aid about the safety features." This complacency can manifest in dangerous behaviors, such as distracted driving or reduced situational awareness.
The Psychology of Automation: Studies at MIT indicate that increasing automation can make drivers overestimate their safety and feel comfortable indulging in other activities while behind the wheel. This psychological effect is particularly concerning given the limitations of current ADAS technologies.
Limitations of Current Systems: It's crucial to understand that even the most advanced driver assistance systems are not infallible. For instance, a 2019 study by the American Automobile Association found that pedestrian detection systems were completely ineffective at night, when 75% of pedestrian accidents occur.
The Need for Education and Training: As vehicle technology evolves, so too must driver education. Many experts argue that a new form of "driver's ed" is necessary to properly train individuals on the capabilities and limitations of ADAS. Without proper understanding, drivers may misuse or over-rely on these systems, potentially leading to dangerous situations.
Conclusion
The advent of advanced driver assistance systems represents a significant leap forward in automotive safety. However, the potential for these technologies to inadvertently create less competent drivers cannot be ignored. As we navigate this new era of automotive technology, it's crucial to strike a balance between leveraging the benefits of ADAS and maintaining essential driving skills. By focusing on education, continued skill development, and responsible implementation of safety technologies, we can work towards a future where advanced vehicle systems complement, rather than replace, skilled human drivers. The goal should be to harness the power of technology to enhance road safety while preserving the fundamental competencies that make for truly safe and capable drivers.Thanks for coming 👍 I hope you found it helpful. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to me at nolan.tronowicz@sparewires.com