Behavioural adaptation in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) use

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) promise to enhance road safety, reduce driver workload, and improve driving comfort. However, their real-world impact is shaped by how drivers adapt their behaviour over time. This study explores the behavioural adaptations associated with the use of ADAS through qualitative analysis of interviews with sixty drivers in Australia. As a result, four interrelated themes emerge: 1.Degradation of driving skills, 2. Shifting risk perception and tolerance with ADAS, 3.Reduced cognitive and physical engagement in driving tasks, and 4. Adaptation to system warnings. While ADAS can support safer driving, the findings reveal that over-reliance and complacency are common, potentially undermining the intended safety benefits. We argue that these behavioural adaptations form a dynamic process shaped by trust, perceived system capabilities, and user habits. To address this, integrated strategies that combine adaptive interface design, regulatory oversight, driver training, and real-time monitoring are needed to sustain safety and user competence. This study contributes insights into the emerging behavioural consequences of ADAS adoption in everyday contexts.