Drivers could be putting themselves and other road users at risk by relying on advanced driver-assistance systems that are faulty or have been incorrectly calibrated.
According to research in the UK from Autoglass, it found that four in five (80 per cent ) of drivers mistakenly expected to be warned by their vehicle when one of these onboard technologies ws faulty.
Despite a clear majority (72 per cent ) of drivers understanding that ADAS can help to reduce accidents, the research warns that millions of drivers could be relying on their dashboard to tell them when something is wrong. However, ADAS technologies currently do not have the capability to alert the driver if they have not been correctly recalibrated or recalibrated at all, for example following a windscreen replacement, or if a minor accident has caused them to be knocked out of alignment.
ADAS technologies, which include safety features such as blind spot warning, parking sensors and lane keep assists, are found on more and more fleet vehicles in Ireland and the UK, and are increasingly relied upon for the safety of drivers and other road users.
However, ADAS sensors need to be recalibrated correctly after a windscreen replacement to ensure they are functioning as the manufacturer intended them to.
According to Autoglass, only around half (48 per cent ) of UK drivers realise this is the case.
A spokesperson for Autoglass says advanced driver-assistance systems are dramatically improving road safety, but they can only do so if the sensors are properly recalibrated by a skilled technician.
“It’s incredibly dangerous for a driver to be in charge of a vehicle if the onboard sensors are either not recalibrated or not recalibrated correctly, as they would likely be relying on safety systems that are unable to accurately identify hazards on the road.
“When choosing partners for any windscreen work, fleet managers need to ensure they are working with the best technicians who have received the latest training to ensure they are capable of correct ADAS recalibration and are aware of the latest technologies in vehicles.”
