How Often are ADAS Used? Results of a Car Drivers’ Survey

Picone, Mariarosaria; Errichiello, Arcangelo; Cartenì, Armando · 2023 · Crossref

DOI: 10.37394/23202.2023.22.57

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Summary

This paper investigates the evolution of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and assesses user propensity for utilizing steering wheel controls, a specific ADAS feature aimed at enhancing road safety. The research is motivated by the critical role ADAS plays in modern vehicle safety and its function as a precursor to autonomous driving. With European regulations mandating certain safety systems by 2024, the authors aim to document the historical progression of these technologies and quantify current driver adoption and perception of steering wheel controls for answering calls and listening to music. The study employs a two-part methodology. First, a desk analysis reviews the historical timeline of ADAS, tracing developments from mechanical cruise control in the 1950s to modern SAE Level 5 automation. This review categorizes systems by SAE levels, detailing the transition from driver-assisted features (Levels 0–2) to AI-driven autonomy (Levels 3–5). Second, a Computer Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) survey was conducted during the winter of 2023 among 307 car drivers in the Naples metropolitan area and the Province of Caserta, Italy. The survey collected socio-economic data and specific responses regarding the presence, frequency of use, and perceived safety benefits of steering wheel controls. The historical analysis highlights key milestones, such as the introduction of Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) in 1971, reversing cameras in the 1990s, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) in the late 1990s. The survey results indicate that 60% of respondents currently possess steering wheel controls for music or calls. Among those without these features, 89% expressed a desire to have them in their next vehicle. Regarding usage, approximately 60% of drivers frequently use these controls to answer calls, while 68% frequently use them to listen to music. In terms of perceived impact, 82% of drivers believe steering wheel controls for calls significantly improve road safety and reduce driving stress, compared to 74% for music controls. The authors note that while usage frequency is similar for both functions, controls for answering calls are perceived as roughly 8 percentage points more useful for safety and stress reduction. The study concludes that ADAS has evolved significantly over the last century, becoming a standard feature that enhances safety and paves the way for self-driving mobility. The high adoption rate and positive perception of steering wheel controls underscore their effectiveness in mitigating driver distraction and stress. The authors suggest that future research should focus on market penetration scenarios and cost-benefit analyses to support rational transportation planning and the further integration of automated driving technologies.

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• control interfaces

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• Empirical Findings: observational prevalence