A team from Brunel University in west London claimed motorists could be at risk because cars were now almost 'too well designed' - providing such a smooth and quiet ride that drivers were less aware of road conditions than motorists using older vehicles.
The lack of engine and road noise meant drivers of new-cars were offered less 'feedback' about situations they might encounter behind the wheel.
Using on-road trials, testers found that drivers of modern, 'highly-refined' vehicles referred less to the behaviour of their vehicle and how it was responding to the road environment compared to drivers of older cars.
They said drivers had been shown to be 'acutely sensitive' to auditory and tactile feedback - for example engine noise and steering feel - and, among other things, used this feedback to monitor vehicle speed without having to constantly look at the speedometer.
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