Using Names Like 'Autopilot' For Assistance Systems Is Misleading, Survey Suggests

The IIHS has published a new study that suggests the names of some driver assistance systems - like Tesla's 'Autopilot' - are misleading drivers as to their capabilities
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It should come as no surprise that a new study from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has found that drivers massively overestimate the capabilities of vehicle automation systems. Nor should it shock that exactly how the tech is titled seems to be a factor in how its functionality is perceived.

The IIHS gave over 2000 drivers the names of five assistance systems, omitting the brand each belonged to. Autopilot (Tesla), Traffic Jam Assist (Audi/Acura), Super Cruise), Driving Assistant Plus (BMW) and ProPilot Assist (Nissan) were all on the list. Without being told anything other than the name of each, the participates were asked if particular actions were safe while using the systems.

The result? 48 per cent reckoned it was safe to take their hands off the wheel while using Autopilot, compared to 33 per cent for Pro Pilot and 21 per cent for Traffic Jam Assist.

Image via the IIHS
Image via the IIHS

In fact, Autopilot topped each of the results by some margin. 34 per cent thought it was safe to talk on a mobile phone with Autopilot enabled, while 16 per cent said it was OK to text and eight per cent reckoned watching a film was fine. As if that wasn’t scary enough, six per cent thought sleeping and using Autopilot was fine, compared to three per cent for each of the other systems.

“Tesla’s user manual says clearly that the Autopilot’s steering function is a ‘hands-on feature,’ but that message clearly hasn’t reached everybody,” IIHS President David Harkey said, adding, “Manufacturers should consider what message the names of their systems send to people.”

Using Names Like 'Autopilot' For Assistance Systems Is Misleading, Survey Suggests

A second IIHS study meanwhile looked at the information displayed by Mercedes’ Drive Pilot system. 80 volunteers were sat in front of a POV video showing the system in action, and were “asked about the operating status of the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring features”. Half were given some basic training about Drive Pilot before the test began.

The majority of the un-trained group “struggled to identify when lane centering was inactive,” and even in the other batch of people, not everyone was able to explain why lane assist wasn’t functioning.

“Current levels of automation could potentially improve safety…However, unless drivers have a certain amount of knowledge and comprehension, these new features also have the potential to create new risks,” Harkey concluded.

Comments

Chewbacca_buddy (McLaren squad)(VW GTI Clubsport)(McLaren 60

So this just confirms what everyone already knew

06/20/2019 - 13:33 |
38 | 0

I’ve thought this forever. A name like ‘Autopilot’ has far too many sci-fi movie connections and people are going to put way too much faith in it.

06/20/2019 - 14:00 |
20 | 0
White Comet

people has always been on “autopilot” with any cars.
Come to California, where people texting, put on makeup, watch TV shows, and everything else while driving whatever car.

06/20/2019 - 16:20 |
12 | 0
B-To

This survey also confirms the lack of common sense and car manual reading omission for some people

06/20/2019 - 17:56 |
10 | 0
Lord Saucius The Divine

In reply to by B-To

lol

06/20/2019 - 23:00 |
0 | 0
TheMindGarage

This is what I’ve been saying for ages. Most people know far too little about these systems or the laws surrounding them to use them safely. The moment you try to mix people and computers this happens. Should really wait until we can get level 4 automation on the roads - then the people bit won’t be a problem.

06/21/2019 - 06:56 |
8 | 0
That_1_Guy

Tesla owners thinking their cars are better than they really are as per usual

06/21/2019 - 08:19 |
6 | 0
Anonymous

[DELETED]

07/01/2019 - 10:54 |
0 | 0

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