Do Driver Aids Make the Roads Safer?

The American Automobile Association (AAA) released some pretty interesting findings about blindspot monitoring systems and with some specific details on how they pertain to motorcycles.

There are several new systems designed specifically to assist in the detection of motorcycles and bicycles as well as eliminating blindspots that have been talked about in the media lately. With the information found in the AAA report it seems we can’t get it soon enough but will it work well enough?

Driver aid systems are exactly what they sound like, systems designed to aid a driver in operating a vehicle safely. The AAA study found that drivers were relying on them to replace good driving skills. This has been one of my biggest fears with these systems. That drivers are using them as a crutch and not actually paying attention to their surroundings.

The AAA study also found that many of these systems were sub-optimal at detecting hazards. If you add that to drivers deeding on these devices no longer practicing safe driving it adds up to a less safe road versus the original intent of making the roads safer.

The study’s findings that mean the most to motorcyclists are the effectiveness of the blindspot monitor systems. AAA found these systems have a hard time detecting fast-moving vehicles. They often served warnings too late for drivers to avoid the other vehicle.

AAA found that blindspot monitoring systems were 26% slower at picking up motorcycles than typical passenger vehicles. AAA also found that there is a big operating range difference between manufacturers. There were some systems that had such a short detection range that they were virtually useless at avoiding an accident. (Source AAA and DealerNews)

The more these automated systems take driving responsibilities away from the driver the more prevalent this habit of no longer paying attention by the driver will become. Removing the gadgets from vehicles will make the safer not adding more devices to remove responsibility.

AAA’s report is a step in the right direction but we need manufacturers, lawmakers, and the people need to have a voice in how these systems operate. The road has to be shared with all vehicles and pedestrians and these safety devices may not be adding to that safety they way we thought they were.

Here is a link to a rating scheme for other vehicle safety devices and their effectiveness. AAA Foundation.