AAA Testing Finds Inconsistencies with Driving Assistance Systems
AAA press release:
Another round of AAA testing reveals more inconsistencies with the performance of driving assistance systems found in vehicles on the road today, resulting in crashes with a simulated car and bicyclist.
AAA researchers conducted the tests using the following three vehicles:
2021 Subaru Forester with “EyeSight®”
2021 Hyundai Santa Fe with “Highway Driving Assist”
2020 Tesla Model 3 with “Autopilot”
Each of these vehicles has active driving assistance systems, which combines the tasks relating to maintaining lane position, forward speed, and following distance from the vehicle within the same lane. This is also the highest level of vehicle automation available for purchase by the public. The technologies are not meant to replace the driver, nor are they considered automated vehicles.
AAA tested how this technology responds to a series of real world scenarios, including an oncoming car veering into the test car’s traffic lane, and a bicyclist crossing the street. The tests were conducted on a closed course, using a foam car – similar to a small hatchback – and an adult bicyclist dummy.
Test results were mixed:
The active driving assistance system successfully and consistently detected and braked when approaching a slower-moving vehicle or bicyclist, moving in the same direction in the same lane. However, all test vehicles collided head-on with the foam car, while it was partially within the test car’s travel lane. Only one test vehicle significantly reduced speed before colliding on each run.
A collision occurred 5 out of 15 test runs, or 33% of the time, when a cyclist crossed the travel lane in front of the test vehicle.
“The collisions that occurred during AAA testing could be deadly if they happened in a real world setting,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “While driver assistance technology has made great strides for improving safety, it’s still not perfect. That’s why it’s important for drivers to understand their vehicle’s limitations and stay fully engaged while behind the wheel.”
AAA recommendations for automakers: AAA believes manufacturers should improve existing active driving assistance systems to perform more consistently before focusing on more advanced, self-driving options.
Manufacturers should implement driver-focused camera monitoring systems that encourage continual driver engagement and discourage distractions.
AAA recommendations for drivers: Clearly understand how these systems work before integrating them into your regular driving. Request a demonstration from the dealership and thoroughly read the vehicle owner’s manual and other information provided online by the automaker.
Understand that no car is fully autonomous. These systems cannot perform without constant supervision from a driver who is ready to intervene.