Drivers don’t understand or turn them off

Modern vehicles are loaded with technology from driving aid supposed to assist you and, above all, to prevent accidents. Included in the package are rear vision cameras and vehicle proximity alerts, blind spot detectors and lane departure alerts. While some see it as technologies that disempower drivers, others believe that these technologies help prevent accidents.

Anyway, a recent Léger survey, carried out on behalf of the insurance company Allstate of Canada, reveals that only 35% of Quebec respondents say they understand all the functions offered on their car, and 16% say they do not. understand them completely.

The survey also found that 52% of respondents in the national sample say they rarely or never use the driving assistance features of their car. Of this group, 42% said they were distracted by the warnings, and 56% admitted to having turned off at least one of these features.

According to survey data, the two main reasons why Quebec respondents deactivate their driver assistance functions are as follows: one, they find them distracting (63%), and two, they do not trust them (14 %).

Yet data from Allstate auto insurance shows that vehicles that are most equipped with driver assistance technologies tend to have lower claims frequency than vehicles only equipped with a rear-view camera.

“Today’s vehicles are equipped with a host of tools that improve safety on the road, but still many people do not fully understand how to use them, get distracted by them or turn them off, especially on roads in Quebec where orange cones and construction work can cause an overabundance of alarms and warnings, ”notes Carmine Venditti, agency director for Allstate, Montreal-East region. “Knowing these assistive technologies allows you to better understand their usefulness. As a result, the driver can benefit from better visibility around the vehicle and make safe decisions, potentially avoiding a collision. “

Here are some best practices for safely driving a modern vehicle:

• Familiarize yourself with the specific characteristics of your vehicle before using it on public roads. Being informed can help you avoid a collision.

• Driver assistance technologies always require the full attention of the driver. Some functions may only work under specific conditions, for example within a certain speed range.

• Do not hesitate to ask your dealer any questions relating to the technology present in your vehicle, in order to better understand its objectives and how to correctly use its functions. You can also find information in the vehicle owner’s manual or in the electronic manual built into the infotainment systems of certain vehicles.

• Technologies, such as rear vision cameras, are helpful, but always be sure to look around the vehicle, as the camera may not provide the complete picture.

• Program your navigation system or set up your infotainment system before starting your journey (never do this while driving). Stop in a safe place on the side of the road if you need to use a device or change playlists.