Study: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Can Cause More Accidents

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) tech illustrated by Audi. More and more cars today, even affordable volume-sellers, now feature this tech. However, are we perhaps relying too strongly on which?

No doubt, we are now living in an age where cars with high levels of semi-autonomous driving abilities have become very accessible. Locally, you need not look past affordable examples like the range-topping Perodua Ativa AV and Proton S70 Flagship/Flagship X as proof of which.

However, despite being designed to enhanced comfort and safety, it seems some Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features still poses a danger to motorists. In fact, a recent study published on ScienceDirect.com suggests features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) could actually cause more harm than good.

Said study, recently conducted in the Netherlands, saw researchers compile global driving data on the effectiveness of ADAS features in reducing crashes. Said study focused on 28 specific vehicle functions that were categorised as the following:

Based on real world situations, the study finds that ADAS features classified under the first three categories either pose no effect or reduces the possibility of accidents. For instance, a tyre pressure monitor doesn’t make a difference versus lane-keeping assist (LKA), which reduces crashes by 19.1%, says this study.

ACC feature as found in a selection of Toyota models today.

Instead, standard and adaptive cruise control (ACC), considered as Comfort-Enhancing Systems, were the only features that increased the risks and possibilities of a crash. The study even notes that regular passive cruise control contributed to an increased crash risks by 12%, whilst ACC ups the same chances by 1.8%.

One standout data showed an 8% increased risk for ACC, but some reports do show it can also reduce risks of crashes slightly. Aptly, distracted drivers are the main reasons to this, especially for standard cruise control as the relief from some duties could affect a driver's situational awareness.

Are we perhaps guilty of relying too much on ADAS features such as ACC?

ACC systems, which can automatically accelerate and brake to maintain a set safe following distance, can also lead to wandering minds, says the study. It also acknowledges that not all ACC systems can detect slow or stationary objects too.

For the latter, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) should step in to mitigate things, but not all ACC-equipped vehicles come with AEB too. In such situations, drivers could be lulled into false sense of confidence by relying on the system to stop when it’s actually unable to do so.

Nevertheless, regardless of what assist systems are present on board, we’ll remind you that it is still ultimately the driver’s responsibility to keep things safe behind the wheel. Want more food for thought on this? You can read the study full report by clicking these blue words…