- Automated driving systems lack proper driver attention monitoring, with only one out of 14 systems receiving an acceptable rating.
- IIHS is pushing for stricter standards to ensure driver focus and prevent misuse, urging automakers to enhance safety features and comply with regulations.
- The study emphasizes the need for stronger measures to maintain driver focus on the road, urging automakers to adhere to stricter standards in monitoring driver attention.
Most automated driving systems lack proper driver attention monitoring, with only one out of 14 systems receiving an acceptable rating. IIHS is pushing for stricter standards to ensure driver focus and prevent misuse, urging automakers to enhance safety features and comply with regulations.
What to know: Most automated driving systems lack the ability to ensure that drivers remain attentive, according to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Out of 14 partially automated systems tested, only one received an acceptable rating, while two were rated marginal, and the remaining systems were rated poor, with none achieving a good rating. The study highlights the need for stronger measures to prevent misuse and maintain driver focus on the road, urging automakers to adhere to stricter standards in monitoring driver attention.
Looking ahead: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety emphasizes the importance of regulatory standards for automated driving systems, as the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has yet to establish comprehensive guidelines. Automakers closely follow IIHS safety ratings, with the institute's assessments prompting adjustments to enhance system performance. The study evaluated sophisticated systems from various automakers, with only one system, Teammate in the Lexus LS, meeting the criteria for an adequate rating.
Deeper details: Automakers are urged to ensure that safety features are activated before allowing the use of driving systems, as highlighted by the IIHS study. The institute recommends that systems should monitor drivers' attention by detecting if their eyes are on the road and hands are ready to take control if needed. Audible and visual alerts should be issued within seconds if the system detects inattentiveness, with emergency procedures initiated if necessary. While none of the tested systems fully met the monitoring requirements, automakers are already working on updates to address these concerns.
The backstory: Various automakers, including Toyota, GM, Nissan, Tesla, BMW, Ford, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo, are responding to the IIHS study findings by considering changes to improve their driving systems. Companies like Toyota and GM acknowledge the importance of IIHS ratings in setting safety standards, while others are working on enhancing their systems to meet the monitoring requirements outlined by the institute. Updates to software and the addition of in-cabin cameras are among the measures being taken to enhance driver monitoring and ensure safer use of automated driving features.
