A University of Iowa study finds many drivers don’t fully understand the life-saving technologies that are built into their own vehicles. Dan McGehee, director of the U-I’s Transportation and Vehicle Safety Research Division, says he was surprised at the findings, which indicate many people are uncertain about safety features that have been standard on most cars for a generation.
The in-depth U-I survey quizzed more than 2,000 adult drivers across the United States. Features respondants -least- understood include adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning systems, McGehee says, while they -best- understood back-up cameras, but even that option caused confusion.
Other features studied include: blind spot monitors, forward collision warning systems and traction control. McGehee says the study made it clear, there’s a “tremendous need” to improve consumer understanding of critical safety features.
