Driver-Assistance Technology May Have Caused “Hundreds of Crashes”

There are so many people who are ready for self-driving vehicles to become a part of reality. Over the last several years, auto manufacturers have introduced a lot of new tech – lane assist and crash avoidance systems, automatic braking and parking assist. Some manufacturers, like Tesla, have even introduced the initial stages of automation with its Autopilot feature, and cities around the country have started pilot programs involving autonomous cars and trucks.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has spent the last few months studying these driver-assistance technologies and advanced driving systems. The data that has been collected so far is not promising. Per the New York Times:

Nearly 400 crashes in the United States in 10 months involved cars using advanced driver-assistance technologies… In 392 incidents cataloged by the agency from July 1 of last year through May 15, six people died and five were seriously injured. Teslas operating with Autopilot, the more ambitious Full Self Driving mode or any of their associated component features were in 273 crashes. Five of those Tesla crashes were fatal.

Why did NHTSA want the data on driver-assistance tech?

Last year, NHTSA required car manufacturers to report all crashes involving cars with driver-assistance systems and features. This action was also the first time that the federal government has even collected crash data on these types of technologies.

Steven Cliff, the NHTSA administrator, stated that there are several reasons why the agency will continue to collect the car crash data. The first reason is to help investigators to quickly identify any potential defect trends within the technology. The second reason is to hopefully use the data as a guide in making any requirements for the technology’s design and use. Through the data, the agency hopes to better understand how the vehicles perform in real-world conditions.

At the same time, Cliff also warns the general public not to draw any conclusions from the data that has been collected so far. The data does not consider other factors like the number of cars from each manufacturer that are on the road and designed with these types of technologies.

What are driver-assistance technologies?

Driver-assistance technology is designed to help with driving and parking functions. These technologies were created with the intention of making the driving process safer. Well-known examples of driver-assistance features include anti-lock braking systems, lane departure detection, adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlights, and blind spot detection. Some advanced driver-assistance systems can operate vehicles all on their own. Some vehicles accelerate, brake, and steer without the direct actions of the driver.

Why Tesla leads the way when it comes to accidents

Safety experts are concerned that these advanced driver-assistance technologies can trick drivers into thinking that the cars can drive themselves, and that the drivers do not need to stay alert and ready to take control at any moment. No matter how impressive the technology, the driver has to stay ready and jump in whenever the technology malfunctions or is unable to handle a particular maneuver.

And this is where Tesla comes in.

One of the reasons why Tesla is responsible for nearly 70% of the car crashes recorded in the NHTSA data is the Autopilot driver-assistance feature. Currently, the New York Times reports, there are about 830,000 Tesla cars that are equipped with the Autopilot feature. This feature is one of the driver-assistance features that allows hands-free driving under certain conditions on the roadways. Unfortunately, part of the reason why the NHTSA required this study in the first place was due to the number of crashes and fatalities over the last six years that involved Tesla cars with the Autopilot feature. It also does not help that Tesla had a recent recall in November of nearly 12,000 vehicles that were a part of the beta test of Full Self Driving. Full Self Driving is a rendition of the Autopilot feature that was designed for use on the city streets. The recall was issued after a software update was deployed warning consumers of the possibility of a crash due to an unexpected activation of the car’s emergency braking system.

The agency is widening the investigation to determine whether the Autopilot feature has a design defect that can lead to potential safety risks. The organization is currently investigating 35 crashes where Autopilot was activated. From those 35 crashes, there were nine that resulted in the deaths of 14 people. In addition to this investigation, the agency is also investigating 16 incidents where Teslas using the Autopilot feature crashed into emergency vehicles that had their flashing lights on and were stopped.

Are driver-assistance technologies safe to use?

It may depend on the system. “Old-school” technology like anti-lock brakes has proven a safe bet for drivers. New technologies like adaptive headlights have had excellent results overseas, and may prove useful for American drivers, too. But there is a real risk of drivers relying on tech that is supposed to assist them, not supplant them, as the primary control over a vehicle.

The NHTSA issued a Standing General Order in June 2021 that required manufacturers to submit data on crashes when driver-assistance programs and automated technologies were in use within 30 seconds of impact. Even though this ongoing requirement should help to establish a broader picture of how these systems behave in the real world, it is still difficult to determine whether the assistance tech reduces crashes or improves road safety.

Driver technology is always changing, but one thing remains the same: if you are injured in a car accident in Maryland, you deserve an attorney who is looking out for your best interest. Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. is passionate about creating options for car accident victims throughout the state. Call our office at 410-730-7737, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We have multiple offices throughout the state of Maryland.