New assessments provide ADAS clarity
Thatcham Research and Euro NCAP have launched brand-new Assisted Driving assessments to give motorists the crucial insight they need to understand how to use today’s assisted driving technology safely.
Many new vehicles feature assisted driving systems that have been developed to support the driver. However, there is significant potential for carmakers to overstate the capability of their current assisted driving technology and for motorists to misuse it.
Confusion around the limitations of these systems has resulted in serious road collisions – and deaths.
Thatcham Research and Euro NCAP have therefore stepped in to bring much-needed clarity and understanding, via the new Assisted Driving Grading.
Matthew Avery, Thatcham’s director of research, said: “The systems that are currently allowed on our roads are there to assist the driver – but do not replace them. Unfortunately, there are motorists that believe they can purchase a self-driving car today. This is a dangerous misconception that sees too much control handed to vehicles that are not ready to cope with all situations.
“Clarity is therefore required to make sure drivers understand the capability and performance of current assisted systems. It’s crucial today’s technology is adopted safely before we take the next step on the road to automation. There are safety and insurance implications that must be considered seriously.”
Cars are tested across three performance criteria: vehicle assistance – how effective are the speed assistance, steering assistance and adaptive cruise control systems; driver engagement – how accurate is the carmaker’s marketing material, how easy is it for the driver to interact with the assisted system and how clearly does the car communicate assisted status; and safety back-up – how well does the car protect the driver in an emergency.
Avery said: “The best systems strike a good balance between the amount of assistance they give to the driver and how much they do to ensure drivers are engaged and aware of their responsibilities behind the wheel.”
Looking to the future, the UK government is keen to allow self-driving, automated cars onto the roads – in limited circumstances – during 2021. Thatcham Research and Euro NCAP recognise the potential safety benefits of automated technology and encourage its development. But they also believe a staged graduation from assisted driving systems to more sophisticated, self-driving technology, is imperative to ensure safety.
Avery said: “While today’s driver assist systems can support the driver, they are not capable of, nor designed to, take complete control in all critical situations.”
