On-board cameras that support features such as emergency braking and lane departure warnings for drivers are being recognised by insurers - though Autoglass is warning that the systems need to be aligned properly after windscreen repair and replacement.
The vast majority of insurers (90%) included in the study, conducted by Autoglass, say they now recognise the potential of these cameras, over and above other technologies such as GPS / location tracking and localised driver alerts (selected by 57% and 27% of insurers respectively), which can warn drivers about speed cameras or poor weather conditions.
These systems use a sensor or groups of sensors such as cameras to detect and analyse the driving environment around the vehicle, and one industry body has forecast that 50% of all new vehicles will carry ADAS by 2022.
When functioning correctly, ADAS systems provide alerts to warn the driver of a possible danger or take corrective actions to prevent or mitigate a collision. Research by vehicle safety technology experts Thatcham found that insurance premiums linked with ADAS safety features are around 10% lower.
Autoglass has developed a technical solution to calibrate ADAS systems, ensuring that they continue to function safely and correctly after a windscreen replacement.
Neil Atherton, sales and marketing director at Autoglass said: “It’s good to see that attitudes have decisively moved on since a study we did two years ago, which found much more limited awareness of new technologies among insurers and a degree of cynicism about their benefits. Cameras in particular are a powerful tool for improving road safety and are becoming a more common feature in new cars.
“However, drivers should be aware that cameras used for autonomous emergency braking, for example, are not without risk as one that is misaligned won’t ‘see’ the road ahead correctly with potentially dangerous consequences. This is why, as a business with safety at the heart of everything we do we have invested significantly in research and development to produce a solution that gives both driver and insurer the confidence that their ADAS system is functioning as it should.”
Michael Smedley - 26/03/2016 23:59
I agree, auto glass technicians are being told by dealers they cannot simply unclip the camera and reattach it onto the new glass. Why, because these systems are supposed to be very sensitive to change of position. If this is so, how does the system react to tire pressure height change, body sway and twist. If the system is so sensitive that it requires a $500 (AUS) factory reset each time it is touched. In addition like most electronics the technology is rolled out long before its complete. Next comes the software patch 2.0, 2.1 etc. People are getting tiered of electronics released in beta phase and paying extra for the privilege. Im already hearing complains of ridicules windscreen replacement costs from the dealer and void warranties if you go elsewhere. Many have already switched off the annoying lane warning buzzer and most agree they don't like the idea the vehicle braking itself. I guess time will tell