Are Advanced Cars Making Us Lazy, and Should We Retest?

By Scarlett Red

I have been stuck in non-moving lanes of the M1 northbound again this morning. It’s a near-daily frustration for many of us. But it got me thinking: as our cars become more advanced, sleeker seats, smooth autopilot, dash tech, are we becoming more complacent, more hazardous drivers?

Roads Aren't Getting Safer, Despite Technology

In 2023, UK road users traveled 334 billion vehicle miles, up 2%, nearing pre-pandemic levels. Yet we’re still seeing five deaths and 80 serious injuries every day. On motorways alone, over 100,000 accidents annually, including more than 1,800 fatal or serious crashes.

Tech Isn’t Enough if Nobody Uses It

Modern cars often have collision warnings, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, but a worrying one-third of drivers never use them, even if available. So having intelligent systems matters little without driver engagement.

Are We Growing Too Comfortable?

With cruise control, auto-park, lane guidance, and comfort features, temptation looms: check your phone, drift into daydreams, slow your reactions. And yet, unlike pilots or surgeons, drivers never have to demonstrate continued competence after passing the test.

What If We Retested Every Few Years?

Several suggestions are gaining traction:

- Automatic bans at 12 penalty points with mandatory retests.

- Mandatory retesting every five years, not just after a ban. Anecdotal IAM trials have shown up to half of experienced drivers may fail a trial retest.

- Routine “mini tests” or refresher training could help drivers re calibrate and stay safe- especially in a world where the miles we drive grow yearly.

Accountability Could Save Lives—and Journeys

Driving bans should be more than a punishment—they’re a chance to ensure competence. A short refresher test after a ban, and periodic checks for all drivers, could slash complacency and reduce crash numbers. It’s not about restricting, it’s about refreshing—staying sharp on roads that are increasingly busy and technologically complex.

Beyond Blame: Shared Responsibility

This isn’t about shaming drivers or banning every minor misstep. It’s about safety—yours, mine, and everyone commuting on clogged motorways. As traffic grows (motor vehicle miles are still rising) and our cars evolve, so must our standards behind the wheel.

Heavy traffic and stop-start motorway journeys aren’t just annoying, they’re warnings. Auto-tech, comfort, and convenience must come with mindful, active driving. People's lives are at risk. We owe it to ourselves and others to prove we’re still up to the task.