Partially automated driving systems, effective in collision prevention?

Study suggests that these systems should not be regarded as safety measures

A new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety raises doubts about the effectiveness of partially automated driving systems in preventing collisions. Contrary to popular belief, the research shows that these systems, which allow vehicles to take control of certain driving functions, do not significantly reduce the number of accidents.

The study compared collision rates between Nissan Rogue vehicles equipped with ProPILOT Assist and BMW vehicles with Driving Assistant Plus—both partially automated driving systems—with similar vehicles that only had collision warning systems. Results indicated that vehicles equipped with partially automated driving technology did not achieve a significant reduction in collisions compared to those with only warning functions.

While collision prevention systems, which include features such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance, demonstrated a notable reduction in collisions, partially automated driving systems, which assist with functions such as speed maintenance and distance management, did not have the same impact.

Partially automated driving systems: comfort tools, not safety measures

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety suggests that these systems should be regarded as comfort tools rather than safety measures, due to the lack of convincing evidence regarding their effectiveness in real-world situations. Also, the research emphasizes the importance of designing these systems with safeguards to prevent misuse and minimize collision risk.

The perception that these systems have greater potential than anticipated has raised concerns among officials and stakeholders, especially following accidents involving Tesla vehicles with autonomous driving functions like Autopilot. Some senators have urged the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to take stricter measures in response to serious accidents associated with these systems.

Despite the growing popularity of partially automated driving systems, which often require the driver to keep their hands on the wheel, some models like Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist allow drivers to remove their hands from the wheel on highways. Industry stakeholders are pushing Congress and the U.S. Department of Transportation to establish rigorous standards based on data and documented evidence to address safety concerns related to these systems.