As more and more cars on the market are beginning to feature some type of driving assistance features, AAA researchers conducted a study with three vehicles and found some issues with the systems when presented with real-life scenarios.
In the study, AAA used the 2021 Subaru Forester with "EyeSight®," the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe with "Highway Driving Assist," and the 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," AAA said in a news release.
"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."
The researchers had the three cars respond to an oncoming car swerving into the test car's lane, and a bicyclist crossing the street in front of the car. The tests used a foam car and an adult bicyclist dummy on a closed driving course.
Results were varied, but the first finding was positive - the driving assistance system was successful on a consistent basis when it approached a slower-moving vehicle or bicyclist going in the same direction or 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," AAA said. "Only one test vehicle significantly reduced speed before colliding on each run."
AAA found that when a cyclist crossed the travel lane in front of the vehicle with a driving assistance system, then a collision occurred 33% of the time.
"The collisions that occurred during AAA testing could be deadly if they happened in a real world setting," Adrienne Woodland, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group, said. "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."
A recent AAA survey showed that 85% of drivers are afraid or unsure about taking a ride in a self-driving car, but consumers are interested in some specific features. 63% would like to have an automatic emergency braking system, while 60% were in favor of lane-keeping assistance.
"It’s hard to sell consumers on future technology if they don't trust the present," Woodland said. "And drivers tell us they expect their current driving assistance technology to perform safely at all times. Unfortunately, our testing demonstrates that spotty performance is the norm rather than the exception."
AAA went on to recommend that car manufacturers need to prioritize improving the already existing driving assistance systems before they concentrate on making the vehicles with advanced self-driving capabilities. They also suggested a "driver-focused camera monitoring systems" so people are encouraged to keep their eyes on the road and not multitasking while the vehicle drives itself.
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