Is automated lane keeping system technology safe?
28 October 2020
Automated Lane Keeping Systems (ALKS) are not yet safe enough to be classed as ‘automated driving’, says vehicle technology research centre, Thatcham research and the Association of British Insurers (ABI). We at Marshall Minibus Leasing prioritise driver safety above all, and are following the government’s plans to introduce ALKS with keen interest.
The UK government intends to introduce ALKS to our roads in early 2021, depending on the results of a safety consultation that ends today (October 27 2020).
However, Thatcham research and the ABI have expressed their concerns that the technology needs more time and research before it is implemented on our roads, or else it could put drivers’ lives at risk.
Matthew Avery, Thatcham Research director of research, said “The Government’s plan threatens road safety. Motorists could feasibly watch television in their car from early next year because they believe their automated lane keeping system can be completely trusted to do the job of a human driver.
“But that’s not the reality. The limitations of the technology mean it should be classified as ‘assisted driving’, because the driver must be engaged, ready to take over.”
James Dalton, ABI director of general insurance policy said, “The insurance industry is 100% committed to supporting the development of automated vehicles, which have the potential to dramatically improve road safety and revolutionise our transport systems.
“Vehicles equipped with an automated lane-keeping system are a great step towards developing automated vehicles.
“However, drivers must not be given unrealistic expectations about a system’s capability. Thatcham Research has identified some concerning scenarios where ALKS may not operate safely without the driver intervening. We strongly believe the timings for the introduction of ALKS should be revised to prevent lives being put at risk.”
Thatcham research have highlighted the fact that ALKS will not be able to recognise and appropriately to act to scenarios such as debris in the carriageway, pedestrian carriageway encroachment and motorway lane closure.
Matthew Avery added, “Current technology requires an attentive driver to be engaged so they can re-take control of the vehicle when required.
“Automated lane keeping system technology would need a quantum leap in development to be able to cope with these very real scenarios safely.
“With today’s radar sensors only able to monitor a relatively short distance up the carriageway and automated lane keeping system-equipped cars bound by legislation that will not allow them to change lane autonomously, it’s crucial that sensor performance moves on dramatically before a system can be classified as automated.”
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