This report investigates the experiences and opinions of early adopters of selected advanced vehicle technologies including adaptive cruise control, backing aid systems, rear-view cameras, and advanced headlights.
September 2008
Suggested Citation
For media inquiries, contact:
Tamra Johnson
202-942-2079
TRJohnson@national.aaa.com
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an in-vehicle convenience feature designed to maintain a set speed and, when applicable, adjust the set speed to maintain a specified distance from a lead vehicle. When following another vehicle, the ACC system will automatically slow down or speed up in responses to changes in the lead vehicle’s speed. Adaptive Cruise Control systems are still relatively new technologies and are not widely available within the U.S. passenger vehicle fleet.
One in eight Americans is 65 or older, and this proportion will continue to grow as the American population ages. It is possible that new technologies such as ACC can assist older drivers to drive more safely with less stress, thus extending their safe driving years. It is also possible that ACC may cause unintended consequences such as over-reliance on the technology.
The research reported here was conducted as part of a broader study to learn more about driver experience with several emerging in-vehicle technologies. The focus of this study is on how these technologies are being used and how well their function and limitations are understood, with a particular emphasis on the experiences of older drivers.
Drivers like their ACC systems
How drivers learn to use ACC
Changes in driving behavior
ACC interface usability
Perceived Safety
Compared to younger respondents, older respondents with ACC were…
Need for improvements
Most drivers with ACC systems stated that they would want these systems on their next vehicle. This study suggests that there may be safety benefits from using this technology, such as reduction in stress, decreased lane changes and longer following distances for younger drivers. However, many drivers are not aware of the limitations of their systems, which raise safety concerns. The misunderstandings evidenced in the study, such as the false assumption that ACC systems will help avoid a collision with a stopped vehicle, are alarming. Drivers need to be better informed about situations in which their ACC is unlikely to react. Based on the potential safety benefits and problems more research is needed to determine the overall safety impact of these systems.
Suggested Citation
For media inquiries, contact:
Tamra Johnson
202-942-2079
TRJohnson@national.aaa.com