The technologies built into modern vehicles are rapidly evolving, yet the efforts of automakers are not always fully utilized by those behind the wheel. According to a recent study conducted by Censuswide in the UK and reported by specialized publications, a significant portion of drivers consciously chooses to disable electronic safety systems or does not even master their use in daily life.
The study revealed that over a quarter of drivers never activate adaptive cruise control, about 20% ignore basic systems such as automatic emergency braking, and nearly 18% avoid lane-keeping assistance. The main reason for this aversion is the feeling that automated interventions and alerts occur abruptly, causing more inconvenience than offering real solutions while driving, both in the city and on the highway.
Other features that also increase the final cost of cars suffer from underutilization: over 17% of owners with a Head-up Display installed never turn on this equipment, and a significant portion admits not knowing how to use it. A similar trend is observed with the driving mode selector.
In contrast, connectivity and convenience features continue to hold absolute precedence among preferences in new cars. The Bluetooth protocol for smartphone integration, rearview cameras, and navigation centers confidently lead the list of most valued and constantly used elements by drivers, demonstrating that simplicity based on connectivity still appeals much more than complex autonomous systems, which sometimes prove to be more of an obstacle than help.