AAA Tests Remind Us Cars Still Can’t Drive Themselves
As we go into one of the busiest weeks of the year in terms of traffic, AAA has released results of tests that remind us all that systems like Autopilot or ProPILOT Assist aren’t self-driving vehicle tech. AAA warned not to think that these systems will drive for you—they are only a kind of assistance.
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The AAA tests looked into four vehicles with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking: a Mercedes-Benz S Class, a Nissan Rogue, a Tesla Model S, and a Volvo XC40. Results were not promising. Each car drifted out of lanes and hugged lane markers. They had trouble with moderate traffic, curved roads, and busy intersections. Three of the four wouldn’t automatically stop if a vehicle in front of them changed lanes to go around a simulated stopped vehicle.
Although troubling, AAA wasn’t too bothered by the results. It took issue specifically with the names of these cars’ autonomous driving systems. Each includes the word “pilot”: Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot, Nissan ProPILOT Assist, Tesla Autopilot, and Volvo Pilot Assist.
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The automakers said that they tell buyers that these aren’t fully self-driving vehicles. However, AAA thought using the word “pilot” in the names makes some owners think that the car can drive itself.
Despite all this, AAA was clear that the organization supported these systems. AAA director of automotive engineering Greg Brannon said, “Anything that can serve as a backstop to a good driver is going to enhance the safety of the system, of the driver.”
Just make sure you pay attention and are ready to take back control.
News Source: Autoblog
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