Carmakers criticised for misleading motorists over “autonomous” technology

Advanced driver assistance systems confusion is causing dangerous driving and VM marketing is to blame, critics say

Carmakers criticised for misleading motorists over “autonomous” technology
Safety researchers and insurers are demanding urgent action by car makers to improve clarity around driver assistance systems that claim to offer levels of “self-driving” ability.

Drivers are being mislead with unrealistic expectations of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), according to insurers and vehicle safety researchers.

In a report, Thatcham Research and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) say that drivers are being lulled into a false sense of security by the marketing of new driver assistance features such as Tesla’s enhanced “autopilot” and Nissan’s “ProPilot”.

Thatcham Research, which conducts safety tests for the motor insurers, says the manufacturers need to be clearer about the difference between these assisted-driving systems and autonomous cars.

Consumers not ready

Matthew Avery, head of research at Thatcham Research, said: “There’s a problem with the manufacturers trying to introduce technology and consumers not being ready for it, not being sure if it’s automated or ‘Do I need to keep watching?’

“We want it very clear.

“Either you are driving – assisted – or you’re not driving – automated.”

Level two autonomy

Current systems are capable of what is termed level two autonomy, which means they are able to keep the car on the road using existing combinations of technologies such as range-guided cruise control and lane-keeping aids.

However, they are not fully autonomous are cannot control the vehicle in all scenarios.

In April, a British driver lost his licence after being filmed on the motorway sitting in the passenger seat of his Tesla using its Autopilot system.

A Tesla spokeswoman said: “When using Autopilot, drivers are continuously reminded of their responsibility to keep their hands on the wheel and maintain control of the vehicle at all times.

“Tesla has always been clear that Autopilot doesn’t make the car impervious to all accidents and the issues described by Thatcham won’t be a problem for drivers using Autopilot correctly.”

Testing programme

In response to concerns, Thatcham Research is launching a testing programme to assess advanced driver assistance systems.

James Dalton of the ABI said: “Manufacturers must be responsible in how they describe and name what their vehicles can do, and the insurance industry is ready to hold them to account on this.”

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said: “Fully self-driving cars are still a long way off, but industry is working now with regulators in the UK and at United Nations Economic Commission for Europe level to determine what makes a vehicle fully autonomous.

“This will ensure there is a common understanding and that all autonomous cars meet exacting international standards.”

Do you have any concerns about advanced driver assistance systems? Share your comments and experiences below.

Home Page Forums Carmakers criticised for misleading motorists over “autonomous” technology

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  • #159667 Reply

    Drivers are being mislead with unrealistic expectations of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), according to insurers and vehicle safety researc
    [See the full post at: Carmakers criticised for misleading motorists over “autonomous” technology]

    #159687 Reply
    jim walker
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    Look, if you drive a car you are responsible for what it does, even if it has some form of automation. the current situation of a half way house is totally unacceptable and wont work, is unsafe verging on dangerous, we still have drivers coming in not knowing what ABS is 20 years after it’s introduction. the only safe way forward is no automation or full autonomy, no driver input at all. it really does not matter which but it has to be comprehensive to all vehicles on the highway, at the same time not just a few here and there otherwise its going to be carnage

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