Insurance Australia : Can smart car tech save lives? IAG tests driver assist systems in Australian-first study

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Company news Can smart car tech save lives? IAG tests driver assist systems in Australian-first study 29 January, 2026 3 Share this story: IAG, whose brands include NRMA Insurance, CGU, WFI, Rollin', RACV Insurance and RACQ Insurance, is conducting an Australian-first field study to examine why smart car safety tech is not delivering a reduction in road accidents. The study will observe and analyse how drivers operate Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Studying driver attitudes and real-time behaviour will create opportunities for greater ADAS education to help improve safety outcomes on our roads. INSERT CAPTION IAG, Australia's largest general insurer, has launched a major field study to advance its landmark research into why Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) vehicle safety technologies are falling short of their promise to reduce road accidents. IAG has partnered with QUT and the iMOVE Co-operative Research Centre on the project, which comes as forecasts indicate 40 per cent of vehicles on Australian roads will be ADAS-enabled by 2031[1]. From the RACQ Mobility Centre in Brisbane, 60 drivers will be assessed in real-time test track conditions while using ADAS technology, such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane keeping assist. Head of the IAG Research Centre Shawn Ticehurst said this first-of-its-kind study will gather unique insights through observing Australian drivers while they're operating ADAS safety features, and identify behavioural barriers or knowledge gaps which could be addressed through greater driver education. The safety benefits of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are well established globally, and the Australian Government has begun mandating these systems in all new vehicles sold in Australia. However, 60% [2] of Australian drivers tell us they are actively turning off driver-assist safety features in their cars, meaning those people are missing out on realising the safety benefits - and that's a major concern. Head of the IAG Research Centre Shawn Ticehurst "IAG's research seeks to understand what's preventing Australian drivers from embracing ADAS safety features, what might encourage a behaviour shift, and guide practical solutions to make our roads safer." Online research of 2,024 people nationally was conducted on behalf of IAG by Pureprofile in August 2025. Respondents were aged 18+ and drive a vehicle enabled with ADAS safety features. Professor in Intelligent Transportation System at QUT Sebastien Glaser said it's important for drivers' knowledge to keep pace with the rapid evolution and penetration of vehicle safety technology globally. We know that 40% of vehicles on Australian roads are set to be ADAS-enabled within the next five years [3], and it's increasingly important to explore the effectiveness of these systems, which starts with driver engagement. By investigating the potential impacts of specialised ADAS education on driver behaviour, this research aims to establish an actionable road map towards accident reduction in Australia. Professor in Intelligent Transportation System at QUT Sebastien Glaser The research project aligns with the Australian Government's National Road Safety Strategy commitment to deliver significant reductions in fatalities and serious injuries by 2030. IAG will publish its ADAS research findings later this year. IAG Field study details Driver demographics Sixty drivers from a broad cross-section of driving backgrounds and levels of ADAS familiarity will participate in the field study at the RACQ Mobility Centre over several days. Participants will be observed and analysed in controlled test track conditions across three vehicles enabled with different ADAS safety features Vehicle selection ADAS performance can vary across segments due to differences in vehicle purpose, design priorities and technology investment. The vehicles selected for this field study have been carefully chosen to provide a representative cross-section of the Australian market and will examine ADAS performance across three distinct vehicle segments: Ford Everest - The Everest was Australia's number-one Large SUV segment seller for a second consecutive year. BYD Atto 3 - Representing one of the fastest growing brands in the market and the expanding electric vehicle segment. Mercedes-Benz GLE- A premium SUV with a highly advanced ADAS suite. Test conditions QUT researchers will explain each ADAS safety feature and set participants a practical driving challenge to activate the ADAS safety feature warning systems. Drivers' immediate responses while trialling each system will be recorded, as will any changes in perception of the safety technology following driver interaction. ADAS features to be studied Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) front and rear Lane-keep assist Lane departure warning Lane change assist Blind spot warning Rear-cross traffic alert IAG's Research Project is supported by expert partners who are contributing insights and expertise. About QUT Queensland University of Technology is a major Australian university with a global reputation and a real-world focus. QUT is an ambitious institution, with strong research programs which connect with fundamental enquiry into societal outcomes. This strategy establishes QUT as 'the university for the real world', providing transformative education, student experiences and research that is relevant to our communities. iMOVE Co-operative Research Centre is Australia's national centre for transport and mobility research and development. A not-for-profit organisation funded by the Federal Government's CRC Program and its project partners, iMOVE focuses on delivering high-impact projects that help develop transport systems benefiting communities, industries, and the nation. About IAG IAG is the parent company of a general insurance group with operations in Australia and New Zealand. IAG's main businesses underwrite over $17 billion of insurance premium per annum under many leading brands, including: NRMA Insurance, RACV (under a distribution agreement with RACV), RACQI (under a distribution agreement with RACQ), CGU and WFI (Australia); and NZI, State, AMI and Lumley (New Zealand). For further information, please visit www.iag.com.au. Footnotes for readers: 1. Austroads Future Vehicles Report Forecasts Update 2031 2. IAG consumer research 3. Austroads Future Vehicles Report Forecasts Update 2031 Media Release: Can smart car tech save lives? 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