General Motors (GM) has recently joined the list of automakers interested in a new form of partially automated driving technology referred to as “eyes-off driving.” However, the company has not clarified how it will address potential liabilities in case of accidents involving this technology.
GM’s upcoming Level 3 system will enable drivers to remove both hands from the steering wheel and their eyes from the road while driving on certain U.S. highways. This is a step beyond their existing Super Cruise system, which still requires drivers to maintain eye contact with the road. GM aims to introduce this system in its Cadillac Escalade IQ by 2028, with plans to extend it across other GM brands like Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC.
While the promise of “eyes-off driving” may seem enticing, it is essential to note that drivers must still be ready to take control of the vehicle if needed. If they fail to respond promptly, they could be held accountable for any resulting accidents. Experts such as Dr. Alexandra Mueller from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety express concerns over the uncertainties surrounding Level 3 automation, indicating that many aspects remain unresolved.
Other automakers like Ford, Stellantis, and Honda are also exploring Level 3 technologies, with Mercedes-Benz already testing a system known as Drive Pilot under specific conditions in California and Nevada. Despite this progress, legislative frameworks around Level 3 automation are still developing, resulting in severe restrictions on where and how such technologies can be used.
Assigning liability in scenarios where both human drivers and automated systems are engaged poses a challenge for regulators. For instance, in cases involving Tesla’s Autopilot, human drivers have been investigated or charged in crashes where the system was active. Recent legal precedents indicate the necessity for greater clarity around corporate and driver responsibilities as the industry continues to evolve.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/transportation/812439/eyes-off-driving-level-3-legal-liability-crash