A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute in the USA has shown that there is little evidence that partial automation of driving processes helps to prevent crashes.

Crash records and insurance data were analysed comparing latest finding with 2021 data on certain BMW and Nissan vehicles. It found that there was little evidence that partial automation systems are preventing collisions. For example there was no significant effect on lane departure crash rates for cars equipped with lane departure prevention systems.

IIHS President David Harkey said, “Everything we’re seeing tells us that partial automation is a convenience feature like power windows or heated seats rather than a safety technology.” 

There is also some concern that some features, such as lane centring and adaptive cruise control and encouraging a false sense of security and can lead to a lack of concentration. 

However, the data does show that in contrast, active safety systems, which help to prevent accidents have a vital role to play in reducing collision rate. For example the study found that front to rear crash rates were reduced by some 50% for cars with a forward collision warning system and automatic emergency braking. 

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to reducing deaths, injuries and property damage from motor vehicle crashes through research and evaluation and through education of consumers, policymakers and safety professionals. The organisation performs a similar role in the US to the Thatcham Research Institute in the UK.