HERE Technologies has released a new survey titled ‘Safer cars, safer roads’, revealing increasing safety concerns over road safety in India and a growing demand for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Key highlights from the survey include:
High accident rates call for urgent safety measures
More than half (54%) of the respondents have been involved in a road traffic accident in the past two years. This alarming statistic underscores the critical need for both immediate and long-term road safety interventions in India.
Two-wheeler riders face the greatest risks
The findings highlight the risks faced by two-wheeler riders in India. Notably, 91% of respondents indicated they drive two-wheelers, and of those, 80% reported feeling unsafe on India’s roads. This highlights the vulnerability of two-wheeler riders in India’s chaotic traffic environment and aligns with India’s National Crime Records Bureau data, which identifies two-wheelers as the most hazardous mode of transport, with a high rate of fatalities.
Perception vs. reality: A gap in road safety awareness
While 49% of respondents perceive Indian roads to be relatively safe, 98% acknowledge the risk of accidents. This stark contrast points to a gap between the perception and the reality of road safety concerns. The top three causes of accidents, according to survey respondents, were reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding and aggressive driving, followed by poor road conditions, including potholes and inadequate road signages, and distracted driving.
Strong support for ADAS, but adoption lags
The findings highlight that 91% of respondents believe ADAS is crucial for enhancing both road and driver safety, signaling a clear call from road users for more accessible and advanced vehicle safety technologies. However, nearly half of the respondents (49%) currently do not have ADAS-equipped vehicles. Even more striking, 82% of respondents indicated they would consider purchasing a vehicle that comes equipped with ADAS, reflecting a significant opportunity for automotive manufacturers to cater to the increasing demand.
Safety drives the ADAS purchase decision
Safety remains the primary reason for ADAS adoption, according to respondents, influencing 78% of potential buyers. Other factors such as technological reliability (58%) and ease of use (56%) also play a role. Interestingly, cost, brand of vehicle, and whether a vehicle is made in India were not as high in priority, in comparison to the safety and performance benefits ADAS offers.
Trust in automated technologies is growing
Lastly, the survey also revealed widespread acceptance of automated driving technologies in India. An overwhelming 87% believe that ADAS can significantly enhance road safety, and 79% trust these technologies to make safe decisions on the road. Respondents also expressed strong support for government involvement, with 87% wanting the government to consider ADAS when drafting future road safety standards.
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