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Nearly half of UK drivers are in favour of updating the standard MOT test to cover increasingly common driver assistance technologies, according to the latest research commissioned by Autoglass.
A survey of 1,000 UK drivers revealed that while many are now aware of, and using, a range of different safety features, 42% don't believe enough is being done to educate the public about the new technologies, while 61% are unaware that they rely on sensors that may need to be calibrated after work has been done on their vehicle.
A sizeable proportion of respondents also appear not to be using safety technology to its full potential. The survey revealed that a quarter (25%) of drivers feel the technology is a 'distraction' to them and one in ten (10%) see a potential challenge due to drivers turning them off in annoyance.
Lack of awareness of the need for calibration is also higher among second-hand car buyers (68%), who may be encountering the systems for the first time on their next purchase.
Neil Atherton, sales and marketing director at Autoglass, commented: "Driving technologies are evolving quickly and it is heartening that almost half of drivers that use ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems) technologies (49%) are recognising their benefits for safer driving.
"However, the lack of awareness on the need for proper maintenance is concerning, but not surprising, given how quickly many of them have been introduced to the market."
In addition to updating the MOT, 61% of respondents agreed that it would be helpful to have a central database of the different technologies present in each make and model of car - for example, to enable repair garages to understand what technology is present.
"Everyone must play their part to prevent this from becoming a major safety issue, including the manufacturers, the dealerships and the individual drivers," Atherton added. "Constant training and awareness is needed, and so depending on just one aspect of the market puts too big a risk on the driver's safety.
"Steps should be put in place to ensure all drivers are educated properly, but it is also important that anyone operating a vehicle takes the time to learn about all the technology at their disposal, as ultimately they are there to maintain your safety and the safety of your fellow road users."
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