Observing user perception and usage of ADAS from a survey in Italy

Technological developments in vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) can help reduce traffic accidents, often caused by inadequate driving behaviors. European General Safety Regulation 2019/2144 requires all new motor vehicles to be equipped with selected ADAS to support the driver in unsafe situations. The regulation aims to improve road safety but allows drivers to switch off the systems. This paper analyzed the level of knowledge and usage of recent technologies installed in new-generation vehicles through a survey distributed in September 2023, which collected 9078 responses. Correlations were examined, including how ADAS are used according to socioeconomic features or situations, such as brightness, road type, or weather conditions. Motivational information on the deactivations of the devices is also analyzed. The main motivation for this behavior was the "desire to be in full control of the car." The best-known and most used of those surveyed was the Cruise Control, whereas the least known was the Intelligent Speed Assistance.