As more vehicles are starting to feature driver-assist systems that can control some braking, steering, and accelerating functions, a new study is suggesting that driver monitoring is vital in making these automated features safe.
According to Consumer Reports, new research from AAA shows that adding a driver-facing camera is the best way to ensure that drivers will still pay attention to the road while their cars are doing most of the work.
The organization tested four vehicles with driver-assist systems that also try to monitor if the driver is paying attention. For this study, researchers compared direct, camera-based driver monitoring systems with indirect systems that can detect only whether a driver’s hands are on the wheel.
Why Driver Monitoring is Important
Systems without cameras were found to take up 51 seconds longer to alert an inattentive driver compared to systems with cameras. What this means is that a driver could be distracted, paying attention to a phone, or even fall asleep for up to a mile while driving on a highway. The results suggest that driver monitoring cameras do a better job at preventing distracted driving and that cars that merely check to see if a driver’s hands are on the wheel are not doing enough to ensure safety.
Researchers are also saying that all driver-monitoring systems still need to do a better job at preventing abuse and misuse. About 50% of new vehicle models allow drivers to engage adaptive cruise control and lane-centering at the same time. However, decades of research shows drivers are less likely to pay attention to the road when automation is active. This could result in a crash if they are not alert and ready to take over. This is why Consumer Reports, AAA, the National Transportation Safety Board, and others have insisted on driver monitoring, which uses computers and cameras to monitor driver attentiveness.
Responsibility of Automakers
Automakers have a responsibility to mitigate risks that come with introducing new technology by equipping vehicles with safeguards such as driver monitoring cameras. While introducing automation is important and inevitable in some ways, automakers have an obligation to put safety first.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a defective vehicle design, it is important to understand that you have legal rights. You may be able to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. An experienced auto defect lawyer can help you better understand your legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/driver-monitoring-is-necessary-when-cars-add-automation-aaa-a4724497022/
