Talking cars and self-drive vehicles were once the stuff of science fiction, but today, most cars come equipped with all sorts of tech wizardry.
From lane assist to cruise control to collision avoidance, these gadgets have been designed to keep us safe, yet recent research has shown that many of us find them annoying.
The most annoying in-car tech
According to our recent survey, more than a quarter (27 per cent) of drivers whose car has auto start/stop admit to turning it off because they find it annoying, and 25 per cent with access to lane assist agree. Front and rear sensors and speed limit detection tools are also described as irritating rather than helpful by those behind the wheel.
Top 10 annoying technology features
| Car Technology Feature | Percentage of British drivers with this feature in their vehicle | Percentage of those with this feature who do not use it often because it's 'actively annoying' |
| Auto start/stop | 48% | 27% |
| Lane Assist | 36% | 25% |
| Front/rear sensors | 60% | 20% |
| Speed limit detection | 31% | 18% |
| Driver drowsiness detection | 20% | 15% |
| Blind spot alert | 28% | 14% |
| Collision warning | 38% | 13% |
| Remote parking | 16% | 9% |
| Active cruise control | 34% | 9% |
| Collision avoidance | 31% | 8% |
Source: Direct Line Motor Insurance 2024
Vehicle technology trust issues
In fact, it seems that far from fantasising about self-driving vehicles, many of us are actively unwilling to trust technology that takes control of our cars.
More than a quarter (27 per cent) of drivers with remote parking features say they don’t use them because they don’t trust them, and it’s a similar number (27 per cent) for those with reverse parking assist.
Meanwhile, one in four drivers say they don’t trust automated parking technologies, with one in six (17 per cent) admitting they feel uncomfortable putting their faith in cruise control.
Top 10 features that drivers don’t trust
| Car Technology Feature | Per cent of drivers who do not trust this feature |
| Remote parking | 27% |
| Reverse parking assist | 27% |
| Cruise control | 17% |
| Parallel parking assist | 17% |
| Front/rear sensors | 17% |
| Active cruise control | 15% |
| Blind spot | 14% |
| Collision avoidance | 14% |
|
Driver drowsiness detection | 14% |
|
Hill descent assist | 13% |
Source: Direct Line Motor Insurance 2024
Technology to enhance driver safety
While unexpected beeps or steering wheels that appear to have a mind of their own can seem unsettling, it’s important to remember that manufacturers have invested a great deal of time and effort into developing these features to help us stay safe.
As Matt Pernet, Direct Line’s Head of Motor Insurance, explains, “Car manufacturers invest huge resources in developing technologies to make the driving experience safer and more enjoyable. While it can be daunting to rely on unfamiliar technology, the features installed in cars undergo rigorous testing and help to keep our roads safer.”
Plus, in addition to helping us avoid accidents, some in-car tech can also help us save money. For example, the start/stop technology that makes an engine automatically switch off when your car stops at traffic lights may seem frustrating, but it’s designed to help reduce overall fuel consumption, which is good news both for the environment and for our wallets.
So, maybe the time has come for Britain’s drivers to stop shying away from in-car tech and start using it to their advantage.
Looking to the future
The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) seems to agree. In 2024, it issued a Manifesto for Road Safety which contained four strategic priorities for the government aimed at revolutionising road safety and significantly reducing fatalities and serious injuries on UK roads.
One of these priorities is Adopting Advanced Vehicle Safety Regulations, described as the immediate implementation of world-leading vehicle safety standards, mandating critical technologies such as Automatic Emergency Braking and Intelligent Speed Assistance.
It seems the time has come for Britain’s drivers to start getting used to those ‘annoying’ beeps and vibrations, as they may just save our lives.
