A new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found little evidence that partial driving automation systems prevent crashes on U.S. roads. The research, published on July 11, 2024, examined crash data for vehicles equipped with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering.
“Everything we’re seeing tells us that partial automation is a convenience feature like power windows or heated seats rather than a safety technology,” said IIHS President David Harkey.
The study examined crash rates for BMW and Nissan vehicles equipped with partial automation systems. Key findings include:
- Vehicles with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking (AEB) had significantly lower crash rates than those without these features.
- However, adding partial automation to AEB did not lead to any additional statistically significant reductions in crashes.
- While some data showed lower crash rates for vehicles with partial automation, the effect was seen on high-speed roads where the systems are designed to be used and low-speed roads where they likely wouldn’t be engaged. This suggests other factors may be responsible for the difference.
Jessica Cicchino, senior vice president for research at IIHS, noted: “With no clear evidence that partial automation is preventing crashes, users and regulators alike should not confuse it for a safety feature.”
The researchers emphasized that partial automation systems still require drivers to remain attentive and ready to take control at any time. They recommended implementing strong safeguards to reduce risks associated with driver inattention when these systems are in use.
High-Profile Crashes Involving Partial Automation
While the IIHS study focused on overall crash rates, there have been several high-profile incidents involving partial automation systems that have raised concerns about their safety:
- In May 2016, a Tesla Model S using Autopilot crashed into a tractor-trailer in Florida, resulting in the first known fatality involving a partially automated vehicle in the U.S.
- A similar fatal crash occurred in March 2019 in Florida when a Tesla on Autopilot struck a truck trailer.
- In March 2018, a Tesla Model X on Autopilot crashed into a highway barrier in California, killing the driver.
- More recently, in October 2023, a pedestrian was struck and dragged by a GM Cruise autonomous vehicle in San Francisco, leading to a recall of 950 driverless cars and suspension of Cruise’s operations nationwide.
- Throughout 2023, there were multiple reports of Cruise vehicles interfering with emergency operations and being involved in accidents in San Francisco.
These incidents have led to increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies and calls for more stringent oversight of autonomous vehicle technology. They also highlight the importance of clear communication about the capabilities and limitations of partial automation systems.
This study adds to growing governmental concerns about how partial automation is marketed by automakers and perceived by consumers. While often touted as safety features, the IIHS findings suggest these systems should be viewed primarily as convenience features until stronger evidence of safety benefits emerges.
The IIHS plans to continue studying newer partial automation systems as more data becomes available. They advise drivers to refrain from over-relying on these technologies and stay fully engaged in the driving task.
