Strong Demand for ADAS in India Amid Rising Road Safety Concerns: HERE Technologies Survey

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HERE Technologies, a leader in location data and technology, has unveiled its latest survey, “Safer Cars, Safer Roads,” shedding light on India’s escalating road safety issues and the growing demand for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The survey underscores the urgent need for innovative safety technologies to address the challenges posed by India’s high accident rates.

Rising Accident Rates Demand Immediate Action

A startling 54% of survey respondents reported involvement in road accidents over the past two years, highlighting the critical state of road safety in India. This alarming statistic calls for swift interventions to curb accidents and fatalities, both through technology and infrastructure improvements.

Two-wheeler riders face the greatest risks

The findings highlight the risks faced by two-wheeler riders in India. Notably, 91% of respondents indicated they drive two-wheelers, and of those, 80% reported feeling unsafe on India’s roads. This highlights the vulnerability of two-wheeler riders in India’s chaotic traffic environment and aligns with India’s National Crime Records Bureau data, which identifies two-wheelers as the most hazardous mode of transport, with a high rate of fatalities.

Perception vs. reality: A gap in road safety awareness

While 49% of respondents perceive Indian roads to be relatively safe, 98% acknowledge the risk of accidents. This stark contrast points to a gap between the perception and the reality of road safety concerns. The top three causes of accidents, according to survey respondents, were reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding and aggressive driving, followed by poor road conditions, including potholes and inadequate road signages, and distracted driving.

Demand for ADAS on the Rise, but Adoption Trails Behind

A significant 91% of respondents consider ADAS crucial for improving driver and road safety. However, 49% currently lack ADAS-equipped vehicles, underscoring a gap between demand and adoption. Encouragingly, 82% expressed interest in purchasing vehicles with ADAS, signaling a lucrative opportunity for automotive manufacturers to cater to this growing need.


Safety as the Primary Driver for ADAS Adoption

For 78% of potential buyers, safety is the top factor influencing their decision to adopt ADAS. Other key considerations include:

  • Technological reliability (58%).
  • Ease of use (56%).

Interestingly, cost, vehicle brand, and local manufacturing origins ranked lower, highlighting the priority of safety and performance among consumers.


Trust in Automation and Government Support

Indian consumers are increasingly embracing automated driving technologies, with 87% trusting ADAS to enhance road safety and 79% believing in its ability to make safe decisions. Additionally, 87% of respondents advocated for government involvement in incorporating ADAS into future road safety standards.


Expert Opinions on ADAS and Road Safety

  • Mohit Sharma, Automotive Analyst at Counterpoint Research, emphasized the importance of ADAS in achieving the government’s target of reducing road accidents by 50% by 2030. “ADAS can help minimize accidents, but collaboration between automakers, policymakers, and safety organizations is essential for its widespread implementation.”
  • Anuj Jain, Strategy & Business Development Lead at AWS Automotive & Manufacturing, highlighted the transformative potential of ADAS, stating, “By leveraging location intelligence, ADAS equips drivers to navigate complex situations, resulting in fewer accidents and safer roads.”
  • Abhijit Sengupta, Senior Director at HERE Technologies, pointed to the survey’s findings as a wake-up call. “While demand for ADAS is strong, the gap between awareness and adoption remains significant. HERE Technologies aims to bridge this gap with real-time location intelligence, alternative routing features, and solutions to address challenges like wrong-side driving and traffic congestion.”

A Call for Collaborative Action

The survey reinforces the urgency for a unified approach to road safety in India. By integrating ADAS technologies and improving infrastructure, automakers, policymakers, and technology leaders can reshape the country’s transportation ecosystem, paving the way for safer roads and reduced fatalities.


With the rise in demand for advanced safety solutions like ADAS, India’s automotive landscape is poised for transformation, making road safety a shared responsibility for all stakeholders.