It should actually be the other way around. But all the assistance systems in new cars are causing drivers to cause more accidents, a study shows.
Assistance systems in cars are intended to prevent injuries and accidents. But paradoxically, it turns out that these systems also lead to more accidents on the roads.
Drivers tend to rely too much on technology and thus forget their own responsibilities behind the wheel.
This is reported by Norwegian TV2.
Insurance companies are seeing an increase in claims where drivers state that they relied on their car's sensors or cameras, which failed to warn them of a potential hazard.
– Many of our customers write in their claims reports that the systems did not warn them because they backed up or hit something, says Therese Hofstad-Nielsen, a claims prevention specialist at the Norwegian insurance company Fremtind.
Even though cars are becoming more advanced, the number of damages is increasing. In 2024, Fremtind's customers reported over 83,200 damages to their cars.
Especially in difficult weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall, the car's sensors and cameras can be of limited use. Or in the worst case, completely useless. This increases the risk of injury if the driver relies solely on the assistance systems.
It is therefore crucial to remember that the car's technology is only a supplement to the driver's own judgment, responsibility and behavior behind the wheel.
"The car's sensors are intended as a support, but not something we can entrust with all the responsibility," emphasizes Hofstad-Nielsen.
Stress and inattention continue to be a major cause of traffic injuries. This means that drivers suffer back injuries because people behind them are focused on everything else but the traffic.
– There are cases where the sensors prevent damage, and cases where drivers rely too much on sensors and thus get injured, explains Hofstad-Nielsen.
– I live in a place where parking is scarce. Then the sensors warn me.
– But I choose to ignore them because I know there is room. I have to be careful not to do that all the time.
It is important to maintain concentration and not blindly trust the car's technology. The driver must always be aware of the surroundings and be ready to react, even if the assistance systems do not give any warning.
– The most important thing is to take your time and concentrate, concludes Therese Hofstad-Nielsen.
Here in Denmark, an analysis from Jyske Bank shows that every 7th driver causes the same type of damage in traffic. Read more about it here .
