Venson survey prompts a call to manufacturers and dealers to improve vehicle familiarisation
Brake Road Safety Week 16 to 22 November 2025
As Brake launches its Road Safety Week 2025, ‘Safe vehicles save lives’ a new survey of motorists[1] from Venson Automotive Solutions reveals that only 42% of them were given instruction on how to use in-car safety technology features, or warned of the dangers of switching them off, when handed their new vehicles. To ensure drivers and fleet professionals understand key safety technology, Venson is urging manufacturers and dealers to consistently deliver detailed demonstrations during handover, as well as easily accessible video content for additional advice and guidance post-handover.
The appetite for a more comprehensive vehicle handover is certainly there. Over three-quarters of motorists (78%) want their car provider, be that a fleet professional, leasing company, or car salesperson, to spend more time with them helping them to understand the essential safety critical technology in their new vehicle.
The good news is that drivers appear to be getting the message that safety features work, choosing them over comfort and entertainment. Safety features are by far the most popular when motorists choose options on new cars. When asked to select which in car-technology they would prioritise, 60% chose safety packs (bundled features like AEB, blind spot monitoring). Just one in ten would choose sensory and creature comforts such as ambient LED in cabin lighting and heated cup holders.
Comments Simon Staton, Client Management Director, Venson Automotive Solutions, “Manufacturers invest heavily in developing advanced safety technology, so there must be effective handover training and online content available, not just for drivers, but fleet teams and health and safety representatives too. This would help to ensure that the technology is not only understood but also put to the most effective use possible.”
Fleet operators have a legal duty to ensure company car handovers are carried out properly, not only to meet compliance standards, but to keep drivers safe, says Venson. While dealers typically organise delivery of vehicles and provide the handover, businesses must have a formal, consistent process in place. A simple checklist can help ensure each driver receives a thorough handover of their vehicle so that no safety technology is missed.
Simon Staton concludes, “Vehicle safety technology is evolving rapidly, and drivers need to stay up to speed to make the most of the systems designed to protect them and everyone on the road. With Brake’s Road Safety Week upon us, the industry must collaborate to ensure thorough, effective vehicle handovers going forward. Only by doing so can ADAS technologies reach their full potential in preventing serious injuries and saving lives.”
[1] 300 drivers nationwide surveyed by QuestDIY on Friday 7th November 2025