Learning about advanced driver assistance systems – The case of ACC and FCW in a sample of Czech drivers

Abstract The present study aims to explore what kind of information users of two advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have about the systems, how they acquired it, and which methods they would prefer for learning about the systems’ capabilities and limitations. Data was collected within the scope of a broader ADAS user experience study using in-depth interviews. Answers from 38 Czech owners of cars with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The results suggest that most owners do not read the user’s manual and rely on their own trial-and-error on-road experience or information from the car dealership. Thereby, information about the limitations of the systems might not be known to them beforehand and could lead to surprises when these are experienced in real traffic. Therefore, prior education about the functions, control, and limitations of FCW and ACC is advised.