CAR MAKERS URGED TO DITCH ‘AUTONOMOUS’ LABEL

Manufacturers are being urged to stop using the word autonomous in relation to their cars amid claims it is lulling drivers into a false sense of security.

Safety researchers and insurers are demanding urgent action to improve clarity around driver assistance amid a growing number of crashes involving cars with systems.

Matthew Avery, head of research at thatch am research believes some drivers are overestimating the abilities of their cars’ systems and warned: “These are not autonomous systems. Many are still in their infancy and not as robust or capable as... declared to be.”

In response, Thatcham Research and the Association of british insurers( a bi) are calling on manufacturers to stop using the word autonomous in relation to driver aid systems and to be more up front about the abilities and limitations of the technology.

Matthew Avery commented: “We are starting to see examples of the hazardous situations that occur when motorists expect the car to drive and function on its own.

“Fully automated vehicles with no need for driver involvement, won’t be available for many years. Until then, drivers remain criminally liable for the safe use of their cars and as such, the capability of current road vehicle technologies must not be oversold.”

Currently, driver assistance system abilities vary greatly. Some offer adaptive cruise control that will maintain a set gap to the car in front. Others will operate this to and from a complete stop while others will maintain a car’s position in a lane and some will change lane. However, all require the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel and be able to retake control if the system encounters a situation it can’t handle.

The risks to UK drivers have been outlined in a new paper from the two bodies. It has identified several areas where there is room for confusion and danger, including misleading names, such as Autopilot and Pro pilot, how and when drivers and cars transfer control, and the use of systems designed for one type of driving condition under unsuitable situations.

James dalton, director of generalinsurance policy at the a bi, commented: “These technologies have the potential to dramatically improve road safety. However, we are a long way from fully autonomous cars and in the meantime, it remains crucial that all drivers are alert and ready to take back full control at a moment’s notice. Manufacturers must be responsible in how they describe and name what their vehicles can do.”

Responding to the criticisms, a spokesperson for Tesla said: “The feedback from customers shows they have a very clear understanding of what Auto pilotis, how to properly use it, and what features it consists of.

“The issues described by Thatcham won’t be a problem for drivers using Autopilot correctly.”