Are Modern Cars Making Us Bad Drivers?

New data shows that 66% of drivers have automated technology as standard in their cars, with nearly a third (31%) admitting that this modern technology, such as parking sensors and assisted parking, is making people worse at driving. 

In addition, 15% confess to heavily relying on the features each time they get behind the wheel.

The survey by car insurance comparison experts at Quotezone. Co. Reveals how many Brits rely on car automation systems when driving, risking penalty points or disqualification.

As car technology (tech) becomes more advanced and the industry moves towards fully automated vehicles, novice motorists are not gaining the experience of basic skills – with 37% stating they use assisted car tech because it makes driving easier.

Half of drivers (50%) say they use the assisted features every time they drive, and 25% say they always use them to park—fundamental driving skills like parallel parking, speed control, and timely braking are all taken out of the driver’s control.

Not only could these technological crutches make people worse drivers, but any accidents caused while using this tech could result in costly penalties for motorists.

Under rule 150 of the Highway Code, drivers are responsible for their cars while using any driver assistance systems.

This means drivers must always have control over these systems and cannot hold the car technology responsible for any accidents.

Despite 43% of drivers saying they feel safer in the car when using these features, 34% of drivers find touch screens distracting when driving.

Driving without due care and attention carries a penalty of either a disqualification or between three and nine points, so those relying heavily on their tech should ensure it isn’t distracting them while driving.

Regarding insurance premiums, drivers are warned to ensure their provider knows all the automated tech in their car.

Features like parking sensors can be considered a modification; all modifications need to be declared to the provider, or they could risk invalidating the policy. Having sensors can reduce premium prices, so although many modern vehicles now include them as standard, it’s worth checking to ensure the insurer is fully informed.

Due to developments in automated car tech, the motoring industry is moving towards manufacturing fully self-driving cars.

In these vehicles, insurance providers will likely be liable for claims while the artificial intelligence is driving unless it is not adequately insured; then, the car’s owner will be liable.

Greg Wilson, CEO of car insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Our survey results show the majority of people have some automated technology in their cars, and many rely on it regularly regarding basic driving skills.

“Automated car systems have taken Things like parallel parking, timely braking, cruise control, and navigation out of the driver’s control. This raises a question about whether this makes us worse drivers, considering many of us no longer practice driving skills to complete these sometimes tricky manoeuvres.

“In our survey, 12% said that with advanced car technology, they found themselves looking away from the road more often. Drivers must ensure they are following the Highway Code and that none of these assisted features are causing a distraction or lack of concentration. Failure to do so could land them with hefty fines, points on their license, or even disqualification.

“Regarding insurance, drivers adding car technology systems must inform their insurance provider. This ensures their policy is accurate and up to date—failure to do so could lead to a void policy, leaving drivers unprotected should they need to make a claim.”