One-in-two drivers switch off driver assistance systems

Driver assistance systems, which help mitigate collisions and protect vulnerable road users, are being switched off by more than half (54%) of truck and van drivers in the UK.

The research, conducted by insurers Allianz, showed that UK commercial vehicle drivers were not alone, with similar findings reported in France (54%), Germany (50%), Spain (48%) and Italy (47%).   

The reasons given include that the systems are ‘impractical’, ‘annoying’, ‘unnecessary’, or that they sometimes do not work properly.

Christian Sahr, head of the Allianz Centre for Technology (AZT), which commissioned the study for the 12th Allianz Motor Day, said: “What use are the best driver assistance systems if they are not switched on?

“It is therefore crucial that fleet operators and drivers receive comprehensive training on how to use these systems.”

He added: “Our recent study of 700 road accidents shows the significant potential of modern driver assistance systems, but also the need for structural changes to improve driver visibility in commercial vehicles.

“We estimate that one-third of the accidents we studied could have been avoided if the truck driver had been able to see other road users in time due to a direct line of sight or if the truck had been equipped with an active blind-spot assistant.”

Weekly incidents involving vans and trucks

Approximately two-in-five surveyed in the UK (42%) experiences a “dangerous conflict” with unprotected road users at least once a week.

This was reported by 53% of truck and van drivers in Germany, 48% in Spain, 45% in Italy and 43% in France.

Ulrich Stephan, head of commercial business at Allianz Versicherungs-AG, said: “The driver’s perspective shows that the current situation leads to a high number of risk situations.

“In addition to the positive impact on road safety, effective assistance systems can also benefit fleet operators in terms of vehicle insurance: only safe vehicles can be profitable for fleet operators.”

In a survey of general road users, the Allianz study also shows that the experience of road collisions differs significantly between the countries analysed.

While in the UK, only 18% of general road users experience a dangerous situation with others once a week, this figure rises to 30% in France, 35% in Germany, 46% in Spain and 55% in Italy.

Lucie Bakker, head of claims at Allianz Versicherungs-AG, said: “The risk of mobile phone use is particularly high for delivery vans because, unlike traditional post vehicles, they don’t drive from door to door but have to keep an eye on their mobile device for the next stop. This is particularly noticeable in the urban delivery sector.

“We see a 20% higher frequency of motor liability claims for courier, express, and parcel services compared to vehicles in other industries.”