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U.K. roads could see the newest lane-keeping, collision-avoiding car models if manufacturers release them as expected in 2021.
Self-driving cars could be on the road by next spring in the U.K., according to a BBC report, regardless of some concern about safety and responsibility. Government proposals are under consideration.
Self-driving cars have come a long way in making more progress for safety and accuracy. The cars have progressed from giving alerts and assisting motorists to take control of speed and steering.
Some see an issue with self-driving cars taking away control from drivers, as they are potentially taking responsibility away, too, according to Forbes.
The self-driving car technology known as the Automated Lane Keeping System (ALKS) has been anticipated to assist in maneuvering traffic jams at low speeds.
However, the government is proposing using self-driving cars at speeds as high as 113 kph in the slow lane, and the cars’ technology would automatically slow form for cars in front of it, according to The Guardian. If ALKS technology is approved, long road trips could be less tedious for drivers.
But the government’s proposal raises questions.
The most pertinent question is whether motorists would be held legally responsible for the self-driving car or if the car would be defined as automated, leaving the driver off the hook, The Guardian reported.
The government is asking for confirmation of how ALKS technology will be legally classified as an automated vehicle, according to Wales Online.
The concern is whether the technology provider will be responsible for the safety of the car or if the driver will still be held responsible for controlling the car when prompted.
Determining if the responsibility of self-driving cars falls on the ALKS system or the driver is necessary to avoid moral and legal repercussions in case of an accident.
Those behind the wheel of self-driving cars still need to be alert, as they need to take over when the car prompts them to.
Self-driving cars will need approval from the ALKS Regulation by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) before they hit the road next year, the BBC reported.
“Automated technology could make driving safer, smoother and easier for motorists and the U.K. should be the first country to see these benefits, attracting manufacturers to develop and test new technologies,” transport minister Rachel Maclean said, according to Wales Online. “The U.K.’s work in this area is world-leading and the results from this call for evidence could be a significant step forward for this exciting technology.”
ALKS technology is used to steer vehicles and stay in its lane. It has the ability to navigate around curves and drive itself for the most part, but the law states drivers need to be aware and be ready to take over in an instant if necessary. Motorists still need to pay attention to a self-driving car.
There are five levels of self-driving cars, according to Forbes.
Tesla’s Autopilot is a level-two self-driving car.
Level three does not demand much of the driver’s attention at all. The driver can perform other tasks while the car is moving and only needs to take over when the vehicle prompts the driver.
Putting level-three self-driving cars on the road would demand some legal changes, which the Department for Transport is working on, according to the BBC.
The government’s consultation is open to opinions from experts in the car industry. The last day to weigh in is 27 October.
Some say self-driving cars could prevent thousands of accidents over the next decade.
According to the BBC, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive Mike Hawes calls self-driving cars “life-changing.”
Edmund King, the AA’s president, also welcomes self-driving cars. He believes the decision to use ALKS would make roads safer.
Do you think self-driving cars would make the roads safer or more dangerous? Let us know how you feel in the comments.
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