Self-driving is considered the next phase of car technology
with automakers developing autonomous driving
programs for their future cars. Many leading car brands also sell vehicles with limited self-driving modes that allow drivers to let go of the wheel. Mercedes is taking autonomous driving a notch higher by taking responsibility for any accidents that may happen as a result of flaws in its Drive Pilot program. What is the self-driving system like? Can other automakers follow suit in accepting liability?
The Mercedes system provides level 3 self-driving autonomy
According to Kelly Blue Book,
none of the automakers have a fully autonomous self-driving system. All systems, including Tesla's Full Self-Driving, Ford's BlueCruise, and Gem's Super Cruise, require the driver's full attention on the road. While all these systems are at SAE level 2 driver-assist programs (the rating system classifies self-driving vehicles across five levels), the Mercedes runs on a level 3 system. The level 3 system can navigate on its own without any driver input in limited conditions.
The self-driving Drive Pilot tech can take over the wheel at speeds below 40 mph on any pre-mapped road.
This system can also do some things that other automobile automation systems cannot, like combining LiDAR scanners, camera images, and GPS to make redundant decisions on the road. Drive Pilot also uses microphones to detect emergency vehicles.
Mercedes will take responsibility for the Drive Pilot self-driving tech
All automakers do not take responsibility for accidents caused by their autonomous driving software. However, Mercedes plans to take responsibility for any incidents caused by its self-driving system. This is a major turning point in the automobile industry and may lead to increased acceptance of the system.
According to Car Magazine
, Mercedes will roll out its self-driving technology on the EQS and S-Class sedans. While it takes responsibility for any actions taken by the system, its legal responsibility is limited to accidents directly caused by faults in the system. If the driver fails to comply with system prompts such as taking the wheel, the company will not be held responsible for the resulting accident. It will also follow individual countries' laws when determining the level of legal liability.
MORE: GM Is Going to Sell a Self Driving Car by 2025
Will other automakers also take responsibility for self-driving tech?
Other automakers may follow suit in accepting responsibility for their self-driving systems in the future. However, this is dependent on the technology they use. Until they can cover most risks on the road, it may take a long time before they take responsibility.
As Inside Evs
explains, accepting responsibility will also open a can of worms, complicating matters for insurers and authorities. The automakers may need to show when the system disengaged for the driver to take control to determine who was in the wrong. Besides, since most drivers would be busy doing something else when the system takes control, they may not take the wheel on time when required, which further exposes them to more risk.
Get sufficient insurance coverage for your hi-tech car
There are no insurance products specifically for autonomous vehicles yet. However, many insurance providers have good coverage products that take care of many of the risks that you are likely to face on the road.
Jerry
, the world's number one app, makes it easier to get these packages with a few clicks. You get to answer simple questions, and the insurance broker matches your requirements with offers from providers. Jerry can also help you cancel existing coverage and set you up with something new.
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