Myth: ACC means I don’t need to monitor my speed.
Fact: While Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) does adjust to traffic flow, but it can’t anticipate sudden hazards or stationary objects, so your attention is still crucial. Our stopping distance poster displays the safe distances you should maintain when driving.
Myth: I can rely on my car’s emergency braking to stop for me.
Fact: Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) can help reduce collisions but is not foolproof and can’t always prevent collisions, especially at high speeds or in poor conditions.
Myth: Lane assist will stop me from drifting.
Fact: The lane-assist function helps best in ideal conditions, however bad weather and faded road markings can reduce its effectiveness.
Myth: ADAS makes my driving safer, so I don’t need additional training or to brush up on my skills.
Fact: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) can enhance safety, but they don’t replace good judgement or quick reactions. It’s easy to switch off when you rely too much on tech, but staying alert and keeping your skills sharp is what really makes you a safer driver. Our Advanced Driver course not only gives you additional on-road knowledge and skills, but it can allow you to have more control of your vehicle.
Myth: My car technology will tell me when something is wrong with my car.
Fact: Although modern cars can alert you to specific issues with your vehicle, they cannot let you about external damage to your car, such as bald tyres, broken windscreen wipers, etc. so it is vital to always check your car yourself. Always carry out POWDERY checks on your vehicle before every journey – find these steps in our POWDERY checklist poster.
We have a vast selection of free road safety resources available here. Explore a variety of useful information, from guidance videos to downloadable posters.
Check out our recent press release which explores how drivers interact with the technological functionalities of their car.
“While we need more consumer awareness of how these aids work, it’s important to remember that driver assistance systems should always compliment safe driving rather than be a replacement for it.”
If you want to discover more facts and stats, along with where to find the above information, this can be found in our Road Safety Report.
Advanced Driver course
Boost your confidence, sharpen your awareness, and take control with our Advanced Driver course. Learn how to spot hazards earlier, drive more smoothly, and make safer decisions on the road. It’s about getting more from your car, without relying on it.
Mature Driver Review
A relaxed, no-pressure one-hour session to help experienced drivers stay safe and confident. Get expert advice in your own car, refresh your skills, and feel reassured about your driving, there’s no test, just friendly guidance.
Driving Skills Refresher
This two-hour one-to-one session is tailored to you. Whether it’s motorway driving, parking, or building confidence, you’ll get expert coaching in your own car, personalised feedback, and a written report to take away. Hear from Alex on her experience:
"I recently completed a Driving Skills Refresher experience with IAM RoadSmart, and I can't recommend it enough! From the moment I started, I felt at ease, especially since I was able to learn in the comfort of my own car. Graham my instructor was incredibly knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable.
I genuinely learned a lot and was reminded of the proper ways of the road, which has boosted my confidence tremendously, especially when driving my young family on the winding and narrow roads of Devon. It was a fantastic experience that I believe every driver should consider! Thanks so much IAM RoadSmart for the opportunity!" - Alex
