Availability, Demand, Perceived Constraints and Disuse of ADAS Technologies in Spain: Findings from a National Study

Abstract

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), created for enhancing the driving experience and actively preventing road crashes, have been progressively incorporated in vehicle designing essentially during the last decade. However, the literature has shown how some of these assisting technologies are not used by drivers in tandem with their potential. The aims of this study were, first, to examine the availability and demand of ADAS technologies among Spanish drivers and, secondly, to explore the perceived constraints and discouraging reasons for avoiding the use of ADAS available in their vehicles. For this national cross-sectional study, data from 1,207 Spanish drivers were analyzed. The results of this study show that, on one hand, GPS navigation, rain sensors and automatic lighting are the most frequently used ADAS features in Spain and, on the other, that gestural control, E-call and post-collision emergency braking are the less demanded. Also, there are age and gender-based differences in the valuation of certain ADAS features. Further, low perceived value, lack of confidence and potential distractibility constitute the main constraints perceived by drivers to actively use these assisting technologies while driving. In this regard, and jointly with a progressive vehicle automatization, a deeper emphasis on driver training, safety and efficiency-related benefits of ADAS technologies may strengthen its acceptance and progressive inclusion in everyday driving.