safety for driverless technology
Safety

IIHS Adds Safety Scores For Driverless Technology

Lately top safety organizations have struggled to measure driverless technology. While automakers introduce adaptive cruise control and active park assist with excitement, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) approach these technologies with hesitation. It takes a good amount of research, testing, and time to go over every detail with a fine-tooth comb. All that and more must be completed before an actual safety score can become official. Fortunately, after years of dancing around safety scores for driverless technology, the IIHS recently announced its initiative to develop better standards for vehicles with partial automation.

What are the safety scores for driverless technology?

The decision to include “safeguard ratings for partial automation” is the first step in determining how autonomous features really improve highway safety. The ratings will vary from Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor; similar to other IIHS crash tests. The official safety scores are said to roll out later this year, but the announcement brings greater emphasis on the overall problem at hand. Do driverless technologies contribute to safer driving? Can drivers use partial automation without losing focus? Each of these concerns are at the top of the IIHS’ agenda this year.

Is it possible for any current model to earn a Good partial automation rating?

At this point, it’s unlikely any make or model will have the honor of a Good score in 2022. Although automakers have delivered some exceptional vehicles with top-notch safety, the autonomous functions haven’t fully earned the recognition one might expect in 2022. Sure, these technologies are ground-breaking. But there’s not enough proof that driving with partial automation doesn’t encourage disengagement and distraction while behind the wheel.

Therefore, the real solution lies with driver monitoring technologies. To land a Good safety score, a vehicle would need effective safeguards in place. Along with active noise controls to keep driver attention at bay. With that said, it’s going to fall on automakers laps to remedy the current setbacks with partial automation. It’s probable the new safety scores for driverless technology will push automakers in the right direction.

When does better safety for driverless technology begin?

As of now, the IIHS has every intention of issuing the first set of ratings in 2022. According to their memo, the “precise timing is uncertain because ongoing supply chain woes in the auto industry have made it more difficult to obtain vehicles for testing.” Even with the expected delays, the arrival of these safety scores will deliver a clearer understanding of driverless technology.

If it does in fact contribute to safer driving, how do you persuade a generation of drivers prone to distracted driving to engage in better driving habits? It seems the solution to these ambiguities at this time is to encourage safeguards. Automakers must configure a way to reduce the overall misuse of automated functions.

We want to hear from you! What is your opinion of the IIHS safety scores for driverless technology?

 

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Linzi Martin
Linzi Martin has worked as a content manager, consultant, and writer for the past six years. She's handled everything from blogs and articles to e-books and social media content. Her work has been featured in various publications including Apartment Guide, The Startup, and Voyage Magazine. Outside of work, Linzi enjoys staying active, frequenting new restaurants around South Florida, and spending time with her family.

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