[Auto Moto] All you need to know about self-driving cars... and the concerns of insurance companies

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A fierce battle has begun between insurance companies and customers wanting to get self-driving cars on the one hand and vehicle manufacturers on the other, shortly after the spread of automatic lane-keeping systems, or ALKS (Driver Assistance Technology), which are automated and can Control the car at low speeds.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) and Thatcham Research, the UK's center for insurance research, have questioned the government's move to approve the start of self-driving cars.

Insurance officials emphasized that the systems are not fully self-driving and put drivers at risk, because when ALKS (Driver Assistance Technology) is enabled, drivers may assume that the car is in complete control of itself, and the implications for car insurance are still unclear.

How do self-driving cars work?

Self-driving cars use technology to replicate the same behavior as humans. This technology includes radar, light detection, and ultrasonic sensors that can detect vehicles and pedestrians and understand signs and lanes of roads.

The idea behind self-driving cars is to create vehicles that drive themselves better and are safer than the people who drive them. Science fiction has long allowed us to think about cars that actually drive themselves, for example, dropping you off at work before you get home and park themselves.

And it's all about being able to take your hand off the wheel without losing the ability to resume full control when you want to at the moment.

What is the function of ALKS in self-driving cars?

The ALKS is an example of driver assistance technology, by keeping the car in its lane on the highway at low speeds, and controlling its movements for extended periods.

Driver assistance technology is common in most new cars, and one example of this is adaptive cruise control, which monitors the vehicle ahead and controls the vehicle so it stays a constant distance.

Other examples include parking assistance and blind spot warnings, but none of these systems are categorized as "self-driving" and have been designed to support drivers rather than replace them.

ALKS is classified as "self-driving" technology, giving drivers the option to delegate control of their vehicle.

Should ALKS be defined as self-driving?

The British government had previously decided that ALKS could legally be defined as self-driving, but Matthew Avery of Thatcham Research has emphasized in previous statements that automated lane keeping systems as the government is currently proposing are not automated, and are assisted driving systems because they rely on the driver to recover. the control.

In his comments, Avery said: "Aside from the lack of technical capabilities, by automatically calling the ALKS, our concern is also that the UK government is contributing to the confusion and repeated misuse of assistive driving systems that has unfortunately already led to many tragic deaths.

The Thatcham Research member added: "A large-scale and effective ongoing communications campaign led by the auto industry and supported by insurance companies and safety organizations is essential if we are to address current and future misconceptions and abuse."

Are ALKS in self-driving cars safe?

The British government believes the system can improve road safety by reducing human error that contributes to more than 85% of accidents, but doubts remain about the autonomous driving technology.

Thatcham and the ABI believe there are four main areas the government needs to change before an ALKS can be classified as self-driving and safe:

The vehicle must be able to change lanes to avoid an accident. The vehicle must be able to stop in a safe place or "safe haven" and not stop in a crowded lane. The vehicle must be able to recognize road signs. Data from the vehicle must be available to know who was responsible - whether the vehicle or the driver - in the event of an accident.
How will self-driving cars affect insurance?

It remains to be seen how self-driving vehicles could change the way auto insurers handle claims and policies.

The Motorized and Electric Vehicles Law of 2018 states that insurance companies are liable for damages caused by the self-driving vehicles they cover.

Having self-driving cars everywhere could make our roads safer, reduce the risk of an accident and make insurance rates cheaper in theory, but because autonomous technology is expensive, and there is still a chance for human error, we can see car insurance costs rise. Self-driving.