Do You Know the Levels of Driving Automation?
In 2018, 36,560 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes. Car technology is dramatically evolving to keep drivers and pedestrians safe on the road. One such technology is automated systems or autonomous vehicles. Autonomous vehicles, also known as self-driving cars, have great potential. These systems are currently under development. Here we will discuss the levels of driving automation as well as confusion and accidents surrounding this technology.
Technology cannot prevent every accident. Have you been injured in an accident that was not your fault? If the accident occurred in Nevada, contact an experienced Nevada car accident lawyer. The team at Anthem Injury Lawyers has experience handling all types of car accidents. This includes accidents involving motorcyclists, bicyclists, and drivers under the influence. Even the most careful drivers can get into car accidents in the Las Vegas area caused by others who drive negligently or are perhaps under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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What Are the Levels of Driving Automation?
SAE International is a “global association of more than 128,000 engineers and related technical experts in the aerospace, automotive and commercial-vehicle industries.” It recently unveiled a new visual chart depicting its J3016 “Levels of Driving Automation” standard for consumers. This standard defines six levels of driving automation and is described below. It serves as the industry’s reference for automated-vehicle capabilities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- Self-driving vehicles ultimately will integrate onto U.S. roadways by progressing through six levels of driver assistance technology advancements in the coming years.
As you read through the below levels, try to identify the technology in your own vehicle.
SAE Levels 0 Through 2
For SAE Levels 0 through 2, the human in the driver’s seat has to do the following:
- You are driving whenever these driver support features are engaged, even if your feet are off the pedals and you are not steering.
- You must constantly supervise these support features: you must steer, brake, or accelerate as needed to maintain safety.
Level 0 Driver Support Features
SAE Level 0 driver support features are limited to providing warnings and momentary assistance. Examples of these features include the following:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot warning
- Lane departure warning
Level 1 Driver Support Features
SAE Level 1 driver support features provide steering OR brake/acceleration support to the driver. Examples of these features include either of the following:
- Lane centering
- Adaptive cruise control
Level 2 Driver Support Features
SAE Level 2 driver support features provide steering AND brake/acceleration support to the driver. Examples of these features include both of the following at the same time:
- Lane centering
- Adaptive cruise control
SAE Levels 3 Through 5
For SAE Levels 3 through 5:
- You are not driving when these automated driving features are engaged – even if you are seated in “the driver’s seat.”
- When the feature requests, you must drive.
- These automated driving features will not require you to take over driving.
Level 3 Automated Driving Features
SAE Level 3 automated driving features can drive the vehicle under limited conditions and will not operate unless all required conditions are met. An example of these features includes the following:
- Traffic jam chauffeur
Level 4 Automated Driving Features
SAE Level 4 automated driving features can drive the vehicle under limited conditions and will not operate unless all required conditions are met. Examples of these features includes the following:
- Local driverless taxi
- Pedals/steering wheel may or may not be installed
Level 5 Automated Driving Features
The SAE Level 5 automated driving feature can drive the vehicle under all conditions. The SAE Level 5 feature is the same as SAE Level 4, but the feature can drive everywhere in all conditions.
Today’s technology not only can make driving great, it can open up a whole new set of issues on the road, making it possible to become a victim in a Las Vegas area car accident. Safe driving is everyone’s priority. If you are the victim in an automated driving accident, contact Anthem Injury Lawyers. Las Vegas Anthem Injury Lawyers is a team of experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyers and case managers. Based in Henderson, Nevada, we work with clients all over the Las Vegas area. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
Do Drivers Understand Automated Systems?
Automated systems are a new and developing technology. Drivers must get used to new digital and safety technologies. This includes driver assistance technology and automated features.
Two recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) studies have highlighted that drivers may be confused about automated features. One study revealed how the names for the systems can confuse drivers. Confusion occurs when the names seem to over promise the degree to which the driver can shift their attention away from the road. For example, the IIHS survey found that drivers thought it would be safe to take one’s hands off the wheel while using autopilot.
The other study found that drivers don’t understand all of the information communicated by system displays. Understanding these displays is important because changing circumstances may require the driver to intervene. In the study, many of the participants did not grasp key pieces of information. This confusion can be overcome by additional training and education.
Automated systems can be confusing. So can the laws surrounding the use of automated systems. If you are injured by a driver because of an automated system accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. The team at Anthem Injury Lawyers will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation. Our law office is in Henderson, Nevada and we work with clients all over Las Vegas. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation. You can find out the answers to many questions in your free consultation, including what we’ll do to help you gain the compensation you deserve as a Las Vegas car accident victim.
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Autonomous Does Not Mean Accident Free
Drivers are learning that autonomous and automated does not mean accident free. In August 2020, a Tesla driver on Autopilot was watching a movie when he crashed into a police car. Nobody was hurt but the North Carolina driver was reportedly charged with “move over law violation” and a “location of television in vehicle” violation.
In March 2018, a self-driving Uber struck and killed a woman in Tempe, Arizona. The ride-sharing car was in self-driving mode at the time of the accident. The victim was crossing the street when she was struck. This crash was the first time a fatal collision ever occurred between a self-driving car and a pedestrian. The back-up driver of the Uber self-driving car was charged with negligent homicide. Uber will not face criminal charges. In 2019, it was decided that there was “no basis for criminal liability” for the corporation.
Technology makes our lives easier, but sometimes it presents us with a whole new set of issues, such as a self-driving car accident. Were you or a loved one in a car accident involving a self-driving vehicle in the Las Vegas area? If so, you should speak with an experienced car accident lawyer. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.
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EXPERIENCED LAS VEGAS PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
Have you been injured in a car accident in the Las Vegas area? Was it the fault of someone else? If so, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can give you legal advice and help protect your rights. Our Las Vegas legal team understands that being an accident victim can be one of the most difficult things you will ever face. As you deal with injuries and wonder how to navigate the system, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced lawyer. Our experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyers will aggressively work on your behalf to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. We don’t get paid until you do, so there’s no risk at all. We are here to work for you as your car accident lawyers in Las Vegas.
With over 25 years of experience, Anthem Injury Lawyers specializes in personal injury claims. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.
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