The Perils of Over-Reliance on Driver-Assist Features: A Cautionary Tale

The Comfort of Automation

A recent survey conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has revealed that many car owners are overly comfortable with their vehicles' driver-assist features, potentially putting themselves and others at risk. The survey, which included about 600 regular users of General Motors' Super Cruise, Nissan/Infiniti's ProPILOT Assist, and Tesla's Autopilot, found that these users were more likely to engage in non-driving-related activities like eating or texting while using their partial automation systems than while driving unassisted.

Understanding the Limits

IIHS President David Harkey emphasized that early adopters of these systems still have a poor understanding of the technology's limits. The study reports that 53 percent of Super Cruise users, 42 percent of Tesla Autopilot users, and 12 percent of Nissan's ProPilot Assist users were comfortable letting the system drive without watching what was happening on the road. Some even described being comfortable letting the vehicle drive during inclement weather. These systems, which combine adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems, primarily to keep a car in a lane and following traffic on the highway, all require an attentive human driver to monitor the road and take full control when called for.

The Need for Vigilance

Despite all three automakers cautioning drivers about the systems' limits, confusion remains. Tesla's driver-assist system, which it calls 'full self-driving,' has received much scrutiny over the years as auto safety experts say the name is misleading and risks worsening road safety. The U.S. government has set no standards for these features, which are some of the newest technologies on vehicles today. A patchwork of state laws and voluntary federal guidelines is attempting to cover the testing and eventual deployment of autonomous vehicles in the United States. To ensure safety, drivers must remain vigilant and understand that these systems are not designed to replace a human driver.

In conclusion, while driver-assist features offer convenience, they are not a substitute for human attention and control. Drivers should always be prepared to take over and understand the limitations of these systems. Staying informed about the capabilities and restrictions of your vehicle's technology can significantly enhance road safety.