Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are increasingly integrated into modern vehicles to enhance safety and driving convenience. However, as drivers adapt to these technologies, behavioral shifts—such as overreliance, skill degradation, and changes in risk perception—can emerge. This study explores how drivers of different age groups modify their behaviors when using ADAS, with a particular focus on older drivers.
A qualitative interview study was conducted with 60 Australian drivers (aged 19-70) who regularly use vehicles equipped with multiple ADAS features. Thematic analysis identified four key adaptation patterns: (1) Degradation of Driving Skills - older drivers exhibited increased reliance on ADAS for parking, braking, and speed control, leading to reduced confidence in manual driving; (2) Behavioral Shifts in Risk Perception - younger drivers were more likely to engage in riskier behaviors (e.g., higher speeds, reduced following distances), assuming ADAS would compensate, while older drivers developed over-trust in automation, sometimes delaying critical driving responses; (3) Adaptation to System Warnings - older drivers frequently disabled or ignored alerts they found intrusive, whereas younger drivers selectively responded to system warnings; and (4) Reduced Engagement in Driving Tasks - older drivers reported mental disengagement and lower situational awareness during long drives with ADAS, while younger drivers were more prone to distraction and multitasking.
These findings highlight both the benefits and unintended consequences of ADAS, particularly for aging drivers. While ADAS can support safe mobility, overreliance and misuse may increase safety risks. The study underscores the need for age-specific driver education and ADAS design improvements to ensure these technologies enhance rather than undermine road safety.