Crash avoidance systems, especially those with automatic emergency braking, reduce major insurance claims.
Specifically, drivers, who use crash avoidance systems and are under 25 years old, see the largest reduction in the frequency of collision and property damage liability claims, according to
The findings in the studies that suggest the effectiveness of the crash avoidance systems drop with age are consistent with previous HLDI research. Other research shows that younger drivers have a higher likelihood of front crashes than older drivers, which showcases why these systems may benefit younger drivers more.
There are some limitations to the data as crash avoidance features can be deactivated and there is no way to know if they were on during a crash. However, according to 2018 research from the
The three manufactures in the HLDI studies have different systems but all have lane departure warnings and forward-collision warnings. Kia Drive Wise and Subaru Eyesight have automatic emergency braking. The technology uses cameras and sensors to monitor the road and notify drivers when there is an obstacle and when the vehicle is drifting out of a lane.
The emergency braking feature will automatically apply the brakes if the driver doesn’t react to alerts. The Subaru and Kia systems that include automatic emergency braking had the largest reduction in claim frequencies. Drivers between 25 to 64 years old and those over 65 did not seem to experience the same decrease in claims benefit as younger drivers.
However, the Honda Accord collision avoidance features were the only exception in collision claim frequency, which had about the same benefit for young drivers and those 25 to 64 years old.
The vehicles included in the study were available in several trim levels and including bundled equipment and feature offerings. The collision avoidance features are only available on some trim levels.
