An increasing number of vehicles fitted with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are an ‘accident waiting to happen’ following a windscreen replacement, the managing director of Auto Windscreens has warned.
Rupert Armitage said this is because of some 'dangerous' practices currently being used in the industry which he says includes aftermarket tools, use of non-OEM parts or even not recalibrating at all in some cases.
He is keen to see sensor recalibration become a regulated part of the motor claims journey.
Armitage made his warning after a driver in Canada claimed that his vehicle started pulling him into oncoming traffic as a result of his car's sensors not being recalibrated after a new screen was fitted.
He said: “I believe it is only a matter of time before we begin to see similar instances here in the UK, as there is still not enough being done within our industry to ensure driver safety is maintained and that ADAS are performing as the manufacturer intended after a windscreen replacement; it’s an accident waiting to happen.
"Our industry needs to take responsibility for recalibration and view it as part of the windscreen repair journey, not as an optional extra.
"Regulation would support this and is something we are pushing for. From the outset, customers should be given clear information as to why recalibration is needed as soon as possible after glass is replaced and have this organised on their behalf as part of their windscreen claim.
“It is not good enough to send drivers on their way with little or no information about why recalibration is essential and having signed a disclaimer that takes all responsibility away from the automotive glazing company.
"We have a duty of care to our customers and must leave them in cars that won’t be involved in a collision owing to failing ADAS as a result of our work.”
Winston - 11/07/2018 10:22
Is there any evidence that this has occurred in the UK?