In a survey conducted by the data and technology platform, Here, in September 2024, titled ‘Safer cars, safer roads’, has revealed the rising concern about road safety and the growth in demand for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in India. Based on the sample collected of 1300 road users across India, from different regions, with different driving habits, and vehicle types, this survey included some key highlights.
‘Safer cars, safer roads’: Survey Details
Over 54% of respondents have been involved in a road traffic accident in the past two years, highlighting the urgent need for both short-term and long-term road safety measures in India. A notable 91% of respondents drive two-wheelers, and 80% of them feel unsafe on India’s roads, reflecting the vulnerability of riders in the country’s chaotic traffic. This aligns with data from the National Crime Records Bureau, which lists two-wheelers as the most dangerous mode of transport, with a high fatality rate.
The main three causes of accidents, according to the survey, were reckless driving (speeding and aggression), poor road conditions (potholes and lack of signage), and distracted driving.
While 49% of respondents feel Indian roads are relatively safe, 98% recognise the risk of accidents, highlighting a gap between perception and reality.
The survey shows that 91% of respondents believe ADAS is important for improving road and driver safety, signaling strong demand for advanced safety features. However, 49% currently don’t have ADAS-equipped vehicles. Interestingly, 82% said they would consider buying a vehicle with ADAS, presenting a clear opportunity for automakers to meet this growing demand.
Safety is the main reason for adopting ADAS, with 78% of potential buyers citing it as a key factor. Other considerations include technological reliability (58%) and ease of use (56%). However, factors like cost, brand, and whether the vehicle is made in India are less important compared to the safety and performance benefits ADAS provides.
Anuj Jain, Strategy & Business Development Lead at AWS Automotive & Manufacturing said,
“The future of transportation is rooted in innovative technologies that prioritize safety and boost operational efficiency. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have the power to revolutionize the driving experience, ushering in a new era of safer and more secure roads. By harnessing location intelligence, ADAS can precisely map vehicle positions, help detect potential hazards and equip drivers to navigate complex situations with greater confidence. This results in fewer accidents and lives saved. Through our collaboration with transportation and automotive industry leaders like HERE Technologies, AWS is helping its customers accelerate the adoption and advancement of these transformative technologies, paving the way for a safer, more secure and efficient transportation ecosystem.”
Strong support for automated driving technologies in India
Finally, the survey also shows strong support for automated driving technologies in India, with 87% believing ADAS can improve road safety and 79% trusting these systems to make safe decisions. In addition, 87% of respondents want the government to include ADAS in future road safety standards.
Abhijit Sengupta, Senior Director & Head of Business for Southeast Asia and India at HERE Technologies said, “Our survey highlights growing road safety concerns in India at a critical time when both automakers and policymakers are recognizing the urgency of enhancing road infrastructure and technology to improve safety standards. Government initiatives aimed at boosting road safety, alongside the need to support the efficient movement of goods on the logistics front, have made this a crucial time for change. While there is an overwhelming desire for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for safer driving, many road users are still not driving ADAS-equipped vehicles, revealing a significant gap between awareness and adoption.”
