‘Turn it off': The tech Aussies hate most
An analysis by insurance company AAMI Insurance found a surprising one in five drivers admitted to turning these safety features off.
It comes as new claims data, analysing more than 480,000 claims, from AAMI found nose to tail crashes were the most common, with afternoons being the worst time of day.
AAMI Motor Prevention Manager Mary Kennedy, says modern safety systems are designed to protect road users and encourages Aussies to embrace new technologies instead of turning them off.
'In-car safety features aren't just gadgets, they're designed to help protect us and make our roads safer,' Mary said.
'Many of the safety features drivers are turning off, like collision warning and automatic emergency braking, are really effective at preventing these types of crashing, along with many others, including reversing into another vehicle or object such as a trolley or bollard.'
Of those Australians who confessed to disabling in-car safety driving features, the overwhelming majority, 69 per cent, cited that they found the systems 'annoying', 'distracting', or 'too sensitive'.
Additionally, 23 per cent of drivers believed they 'don't need' in-car safety features, while 13 per cent expressed concerns that they just 'don't trust' them.
The most commonly dialled-down or turned-off safety features were lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning (see table below).
This trend is particularly concerning, given that more than half of Australian drivers (59 per cent) agree that safety features improve road safety and reduce the severity and frequency of accidents.
AAMI's claims data further supports this, showing that ADAS-enabled vehicles are less likely to be involved in an accident when compared to vehicles without this technology.
When news.com.au asked readers earlier this year whether modern cars are becoming too annoying and complicated, 94 per cent of the 10,102 voters agreed.
Arthur, one commenter, said 'Lane keeping is useless on Aussie regional and rural roads. Your try to stay out of potholes and trucks squeezes you and the car jerks you back into the trenches.'
While another user said 'Modern cars are intrusive and annoying.'
Mary Kennedy is strongly urging drivers to keep Advanced Driver Assistance Systems activated in cars that support it and to adapt to the evolving changes in modern cars.
'Drivers should understand and use these safety features to enhance their own awareness, reduce the risk of human error, and avoid getting into an accident in the first place,' Mary said.
'We know through our claims data that Friday continues to be the worst day of the week, and afternoons are the most dangerous time on our roads.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Herald Sun
2 hours ago
- Herald Sun
EVs embrace wireless charging
Don't miss out on the headlines from On the Road. Followed categories will be added to My News. Aussies could be soon charging their cars as easily and effortlessly as they charge their mobile phone, courtesy of game-changing new technology. A decade since Tesla debuted it's autonomous 'snake' charging technology, that never went into production, Chinese carmaker Li Auto has launched its own version of self-chargeding to the acclaim of many car lovers and tech enthusiasts on social media. The video of the family SUV charging itself via a robotic arm on a charging station stunned viewers and offered a glimpse of what motorists can expect in the very near future. MORE: Chinese brand moves into Holden's home Like something out of Terminator 2 or Blade Runner, the robotic arm reaches for the charging cable and using a laser scanning system inserts the charging cable into the car's electric charging outlet. It then unlocks and releases the cable when the charging is finished and is able to do so for all cars in the several bays of the charging station. However it appears the future might be even brighter than this. Self proclaimed 'optimistic futurist; CEO Elon Musk has indicated his EV darling Tesla will go even further, very soon. The laser scans the charging port. Musk has indicated induction charging – which like wireless charging for mobile phones is the process of transferring electrical energy between two objects using electromagnetic induction – could be available as soon as next year. Tesla's Cybercab service has been launched to much fanfare in Austin Texas and San Francisco. And if Musk is right, induction charging would allow the cars to be even more autonomous. It might not be that long before the cars don't need any human intervention at all. The other possibility is that Tesla's Optimus robot could perform the tasks around charging EVs and even maintenance that humans currently do. MORE: New ute to spark price war Iti's like something out of Terminator 2. Picture: Supplied Musk said on a recent earnings call for the car maker that he believes Tesla will be making 100,000 units of Optimus in five years time and predicts it will be the most sought-after product in the history of human kind. Musk has also indicated his Cybertaxis will use the wireless charging system and has rolled out a proof of concept as to how it will work, with the car moving over the top of the charge as it parks for charging to occur. It would appear to follow suit that inductive charging in EVs would take a substantially longer time than traditional charging via cables but Musk said that won't be the case. Aussies could be soon charging their cars as easily and effortlessly as they charge their mobile phone, courtesy of game-changing new technology. 'There is no meaningful efficiency difference between inductive and conductive charging if the system is designed right,' Musk wrote on X. There are also indications that the Cybertruck might be able to use induction charging when it is widely available and the applicable systems updates are made. Volvo is another leading carmaker moving down the road to induction charging. The Swedish car giant has begun real-world testing of the charging in partnership of Momentum Dynamics with its XC40 Recharge, reaching speeds of up to 40kW. Volvo is also going down the road of wireless charging. Photo by Thomas Wielecki Which would mean it could conceivable charge from 20 to 80 per cent in less than an hour. Originally published as EVs embrace wireless charging
Courier-Mail
4 hours ago
- Courier-Mail
EVs embrace wireless charging
Don't miss out on the headlines from On the Road. Followed categories will be added to My News. Aussies could be soon charging their cars as easily and effortlessly as they charge their mobile phone, courtesy of game-changing new technology. A decade since Tesla debuted it's autonomous 'snake' charging technology, that never went into production, Chinese carmaker Li Auto has launched its own version of self-chargeding to the acclaim of many car lovers and tech enthusiasts on social media. The video of the family SUV charging itself via a robotic arm on a charging station stunned viewers and offered a glimpse of what motorists can expect in the very near future. MORE: Chinese brand moves into Holden's home Like something out of Terminator 2 or Blade Runner, the robotic arm reaches for the charging cable and using a laser scanning system inserts the charging cable into the car's electric charging outlet. It then unlocks and releases the cable when the charging is finished and is able to do so for all cars in the several bays of the charging station. However it appears the future might be even brighter than this. Self proclaimed 'optimistic futurist; CEO Elon Musk has indicated his EV darling Tesla will go even further, very soon. The laser scans the charging port. Musk has indicated induction charging – which like wireless charging for mobile phones is the process of transferring electrical energy between two objects using electromagnetic induction – could be available as soon as next year. Tesla's Cybercab service has been launched to much fanfare in Austin Texas and San Francisco. And if Musk is right, induction charging would allow the cars to be even more autonomous. It might not be that long before the cars don't need any human intervention at all. The other possibility is that Tesla's Optimus robot could perform the tasks around charging EVs and even maintenance that humans currently do. MORE: New ute to spark price war Iti's like something out of Terminator 2. Picture: Supplied Musk said on a recent earnings call for the car maker that he believes Tesla will be making 100,000 units of Optimus in five years time and predicts it will be the most sought-after product in the history of human kind. Musk has also indicated his Cybertaxis will use the wireless charging system and has rolled out a proof of concept as to how it will work, with the car moving over the top of the charge as it parks for charging to occur. It would appear to follow suit that inductive charging in EVs would take a substantially longer time than traditional charging via cables but Musk said that won't be the case. Aussies could be soon charging their cars as easily and effortlessly as they charge their mobile phone, courtesy of game-changing new technology. 'There is no meaningful efficiency difference between inductive and conductive charging if the system is designed right,' Musk wrote on X. There are also indications that the Cybertruck might be able to use induction charging when it is widely available and the applicable systems updates are made. Volvo is another leading carmaker moving down the road to induction charging. The Swedish car giant has begun real-world testing of the charging in partnership of Momentum Dynamics with its XC40 Recharge, reaching speeds of up to 40kW. Volvo is also going down the road of wireless charging. Photo by Thomas Wielecki Which would mean it could conceivable charge from 20 to 80 per cent in less than an hour. Originally published as EVs embrace wireless charging
The Advertiser
6 hours ago
- The Advertiser
State's best hill climbers head to Ringwood Park for shot at Aussie titles
Some of Australia's best hill climbers will be heading to Ringwood Park Motorsport Complex on August 9 for the final round of the NSW Hillclimb Championships and spots at the upcoming Australian titles. A quality field is expected for the event at Ringwood Park, on Italia Road, Balickera, 12km north of Raymond Terrace, including former Australian champion Dean Tighe, from Queensland, who will arrive back in Australia with four days to spare after racing in the UK. Tighe, who is on track to reclaim the NSW and Australian titles this season, holds the fastest lap record at the Ringwood Park track which is rated by many as Australia's most challenging track. Other drivers who will be pushing for class and overall honours at the final round include Kempsey's Dave Morrow who has shown a liking for the Ringwood Park track with podium finishes there on previous visits. Morrow is coming off a victory in the Formula Libre 750-1300cc class at round six at Tamworth. Heddon Greta's Tim Blake in his Subaru Impreza WRX and Peter Akers (Subaru Impreza,) finished first and second respectively in the Sedan type cars at the 2025 Queensland Hillclimb Championship. Round seven of the NSW Championships at Ringwood Park, follows the first two rounds at Bahurst, round three at Wollongong, round four at Kempsey, round five at Grafton and round six at Tamworth. The opening two rounds of the NSW Hillclimb Championships on Mt Panorama on March 5-6 were downgraded to Multi Club events due to the floods along the eastern seaboard. However, Tighe managed to get there and set the fastest times on both days of the Bathurst Light Car Club run event. He followed that up with wins at Huntley at Wollongong, Grafton and Kempsey. This weekend's event is hosted by MG Car Club Newcastle, and will finalise overall victory and category wins and subsequent spots at the Australian Hillclimb Championship which will be held at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia. Racing driver and instructor Cody McKay, who used the Ringwood Park track to train drivers said it was one of the most challenging and rewarding tracks in Australia. McKay, who has had wins and podiums at the Bathurst 6 Hour and also the Aussie Racing Car Championship, said Ringwood Park hosted the Australian Championship in 2023. While he will not be competing, he said this is an event for all motorsports fans and it will provide plenty of exciting highlights. "This would have to be Australia's most challenging track. If you can get this track right, you're right to go to Bathurst, and you're right to go to the street circuits. "We really teach our students to do well here if they can nail it they have success on all sorts of other tracks. "The intricacies and the technicalities of what's needed to learn how to race here really translates onto the bigger tracks. "This is really technical. You've got to learn your brakes, your steering. There also a lot of undulations, and it's pretty high speed as well. So if something goes wrong, it can really go wrong "The spectators love it as well. "Some of the talented drivers can pretty much do the whole course sideways. "This is a driver's track. It's a real driver's experience. There of all theses ups and downs at the top, and you're going well over 100 kilometres an hour on some sections. So you've really got to be a talented driver Practice is on Saturday, racing on Sunday from 9am with Food and Drinks will be available from the canteen. Racing begins at 9am. Some of Australia's best hill climbers will be heading to Ringwood Park Motorsport Complex on August 9 for the final round of the NSW Hillclimb Championships and spots at the upcoming Australian titles. A quality field is expected for the event at Ringwood Park, on Italia Road, Balickera, 12km north of Raymond Terrace, including former Australian champion Dean Tighe, from Queensland, who will arrive back in Australia with four days to spare after racing in the UK. Tighe, who is on track to reclaim the NSW and Australian titles this season, holds the fastest lap record at the Ringwood Park track which is rated by many as Australia's most challenging track. Other drivers who will be pushing for class and overall honours at the final round include Kempsey's Dave Morrow who has shown a liking for the Ringwood Park track with podium finishes there on previous visits. Morrow is coming off a victory in the Formula Libre 750-1300cc class at round six at Tamworth. Heddon Greta's Tim Blake in his Subaru Impreza WRX and Peter Akers (Subaru Impreza,) finished first and second respectively in the Sedan type cars at the 2025 Queensland Hillclimb Championship. Round seven of the NSW Championships at Ringwood Park, follows the first two rounds at Bahurst, round three at Wollongong, round four at Kempsey, round five at Grafton and round six at Tamworth. The opening two rounds of the NSW Hillclimb Championships on Mt Panorama on March 5-6 were downgraded to Multi Club events due to the floods along the eastern seaboard. However, Tighe managed to get there and set the fastest times on both days of the Bathurst Light Car Club run event. He followed that up with wins at Huntley at Wollongong, Grafton and Kempsey. This weekend's event is hosted by MG Car Club Newcastle, and will finalise overall victory and category wins and subsequent spots at the Australian Hillclimb Championship which will be held at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia. Racing driver and instructor Cody McKay, who used the Ringwood Park track to train drivers said it was one of the most challenging and rewarding tracks in Australia. McKay, who has had wins and podiums at the Bathurst 6 Hour and also the Aussie Racing Car Championship, said Ringwood Park hosted the Australian Championship in 2023. While he will not be competing, he said this is an event for all motorsports fans and it will provide plenty of exciting highlights. "This would have to be Australia's most challenging track. If you can get this track right, you're right to go to Bathurst, and you're right to go to the street circuits. "We really teach our students to do well here if they can nail it they have success on all sorts of other tracks. "The intricacies and the technicalities of what's needed to learn how to race here really translates onto the bigger tracks. "This is really technical. You've got to learn your brakes, your steering. There also a lot of undulations, and it's pretty high speed as well. So if something goes wrong, it can really go wrong "The spectators love it as well. "Some of the talented drivers can pretty much do the whole course sideways. "This is a driver's track. It's a real driver's experience. There of all theses ups and downs at the top, and you're going well over 100 kilometres an hour on some sections. So you've really got to be a talented driver Practice is on Saturday, racing on Sunday from 9am with Food and Drinks will be available from the canteen. Racing begins at 9am. Some of Australia's best hill climbers will be heading to Ringwood Park Motorsport Complex on August 9 for the final round of the NSW Hillclimb Championships and spots at the upcoming Australian titles. A quality field is expected for the event at Ringwood Park, on Italia Road, Balickera, 12km north of Raymond Terrace, including former Australian champion Dean Tighe, from Queensland, who will arrive back in Australia with four days to spare after racing in the UK. Tighe, who is on track to reclaim the NSW and Australian titles this season, holds the fastest lap record at the Ringwood Park track which is rated by many as Australia's most challenging track. Other drivers who will be pushing for class and overall honours at the final round include Kempsey's Dave Morrow who has shown a liking for the Ringwood Park track with podium finishes there on previous visits. Morrow is coming off a victory in the Formula Libre 750-1300cc class at round six at Tamworth. Heddon Greta's Tim Blake in his Subaru Impreza WRX and Peter Akers (Subaru Impreza,) finished first and second respectively in the Sedan type cars at the 2025 Queensland Hillclimb Championship. Round seven of the NSW Championships at Ringwood Park, follows the first two rounds at Bahurst, round three at Wollongong, round four at Kempsey, round five at Grafton and round six at Tamworth. The opening two rounds of the NSW Hillclimb Championships on Mt Panorama on March 5-6 were downgraded to Multi Club events due to the floods along the eastern seaboard. However, Tighe managed to get there and set the fastest times on both days of the Bathurst Light Car Club run event. He followed that up with wins at Huntley at Wollongong, Grafton and Kempsey. This weekend's event is hosted by MG Car Club Newcastle, and will finalise overall victory and category wins and subsequent spots at the Australian Hillclimb Championship which will be held at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia. Racing driver and instructor Cody McKay, who used the Ringwood Park track to train drivers said it was one of the most challenging and rewarding tracks in Australia. McKay, who has had wins and podiums at the Bathurst 6 Hour and also the Aussie Racing Car Championship, said Ringwood Park hosted the Australian Championship in 2023. While he will not be competing, he said this is an event for all motorsports fans and it will provide plenty of exciting highlights. "This would have to be Australia's most challenging track. If you can get this track right, you're right to go to Bathurst, and you're right to go to the street circuits. "We really teach our students to do well here if they can nail it they have success on all sorts of other tracks. "The intricacies and the technicalities of what's needed to learn how to race here really translates onto the bigger tracks. "This is really technical. You've got to learn your brakes, your steering. There also a lot of undulations, and it's pretty high speed as well. So if something goes wrong, it can really go wrong "The spectators love it as well. "Some of the talented drivers can pretty much do the whole course sideways. "This is a driver's track. It's a real driver's experience. There of all theses ups and downs at the top, and you're going well over 100 kilometres an hour on some sections. So you've really got to be a talented driver Practice is on Saturday, racing on Sunday from 9am with Food and Drinks will be available from the canteen. Racing begins at 9am.
