New automation systems in cars can increase the risk of crashing, a new study released today claims, according to the U.K.’s WhatCar. The latest adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set distance from other traffic by altering the car’s speed, and systems that can automatically steer for the driver, were put to the test using experienced and inexperienced motorists at Brunel University. Dr. Mark Young, author of the report, says that, when used together, the systems leave drivers ‘underloaded’ with too little to do, making them less able to respond to emergency situations. When the adaptive cruise control was made to fail in simulations, half of the 20 learner drivers in the study didn’t react at all when cars in front braked, and could not avoid crashing into them. Yesterday, we reported that today’s drivers suffer without high-tech braking and traction control systems.
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