Motorists in the UK are dangerously confused about the huge differences between the ‘assisted driving’ features available in today’s cars and fully self-driving vehicles that are not expected to be on our roads for years.
While full vehicle automation – which will allow a user to sit back and check emails and watch TV while the car drives itself – is currently being developed, no entirely ‘self-driving’ model is on sale today and nor is their legislation for their use in Britain.
Despite this, over half of drivers in a new survey believe they can go to a showroom today and buy a fully-autonomous car.
The report raises major concerns that motorists may have unrealistic expectations about the capabilities on existing driver assistance features – like lane assist – and are potentially relinquishing too much control to their vehicles as a result, says one of the country’s leading safety experts.
![Are self-driving cars already on sale? The answer is no, but 52% of British motorists surveyed in a recent poll incorrectly believed they are, raising concerns about how much people know about the technology that could be rolled out as early as next year](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/09/09/61524377-11402315-Are_self_driving_cars_already_on_sale_The_answer_is_no_but_52_of-a-21_1667986326694.jpg)
Are self-driving cars already on sale? The answer is no, but 52% of British motorists surveyed in a recent poll incorrectly believed they are, raising concerns about how much people know about the technology that could be rolled out as early as next year
Only cars that have ‘assisted driving’ features, which permanently require a driver to remain in full control, are on sale today and legally allowed to be used on our roads.
However, leading vehicle safety and security specialist group Thatcham Research found in a poll of 2,000 Britons that 52 per cent mistakenly believe that fully autonomous driving is already possible in the most advanced vehicles already in dealerships.
It’s an even greater misunderstanding in the US, where a sister study found that 72 per cent of drivers thought fully self-driving cars are in showrooms.
It comes as the UK Government continues to work towards outlining how it will put in place a legal framework for a safe transition to self-driving vehicles over the coming years, which is currently being backed by £100million in public funding.
![The Law Commission in January published recommendations stating that a motorist should NOT be held liable if a vehicle crashes when a self-driving system is active](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/09/09/32088416-11402315-The_Law_Commission_in_January_published_recommendations_stating_-a-22_1667986326714.jpg)
The Law Commission in January published recommendations stating that a motorist should NOT be held liable if a vehicle crashes when a self-driving system is active
![Vehicle safety experts say there needs to be 'complete clarity' around the driver's legal responsibilities when at the wheel of a car with self-driving capabilities](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/09/09/61531543-11402315-Vehicle_safety_experts_say_there_needs_to_be_complete_clarity_ar-a-23_1667986326718.jpg)
Vehicle safety experts say there needs to be ‘complete clarity’ around the driver’s legal responsibilities when at the wheel of a car with self-driving capabilities
In January, the Law Commission published a report calling for a new ‘Automated Vehicles Act’, which will regulate vehicles that can drive themselves and make clear who could face prosecution if a self-driving car drives dangerously or causes an accident.
This new legal framework is designed to resolve the biggest grey area concerning the introduction of self-driving technology on our roads, which is who is deemed liable when something goes wrong.
It would see ‘drivers’ become ‘users-in-charge’ when an automated system is running, which would protect them from any responsibility if there was a crash.
Minsters are pushing to pass automated driving legislation within a matter of months so that some cars, coaches and lorries with features can legally be used on motorways from next year.
Only features such as automated lane-keeping systems (ALKS) would be allowed under these revised rules, with legal frameworks to allow for fully self-driving cars not in place until 2025.
Changes to the Highway Code have also been proposed to provide guidance to road users regarding the use of cars with this technology.
Matthew Avery, chief strategic research officer at Thatcham Research says the latest poll results prove that if the government is to realise its automated vehicle ambitions safely, it first needs to focus on driver education.
‘This can’t just be lip service,’ he warned.
‘With more than half of the UK public believing that autonomous driving is here today, the perception is racing ahead of the reality.
‘This demonstrates just how much work needs to be done to set realistic consumer expectations of the first vehicles offering limited self-driving functionality, when they become available.
‘Put simply, the benefits of automation will not be delivered if people don’t fully understand its limitations.’
![If a collision occurs when an automated system is active, the Law Commission says the company or body that obtained the authorisation for the tech's use should be held responsible](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/09/09/53387789-11402315-If_a_collision_occurs_when_an_automated_system_is_active_the_Law-a-29_1667986326728.jpg)
If a collision occurs when an automated system is active, the Law Commission says the company or body that obtained the authorisation for the tech’s use should be held responsible
![The misunderstanding around the availability of self-driving technology today was - surprisingly - most prevalent in younger age groups](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/09/09/64308335-11402315-The_misunderstanding_around_the_availability_of_self_driving_tec-a-24_1667986326720.jpg)
The misunderstanding around the availability of self-driving technology today was – surprisingly – most prevalent in younger age groups
![Currently, the highest level of vehicle autonomy is Level 2, such as Tesla's Autopilot system. The Government is currently looking to pass legislation for Level 3 'Conditional Autonomy' the be legal on motorways from next year](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/09/09/32088422-11402315-Currently_the_highest_level_of_vehicle_autonomy_is_Level_2_such_-a-30_1667986326729.jpg)
Currently, the highest level of vehicle autonomy is Level 2, such as Tesla’s Autopilot system. The Government is currently looking to pass legislation for Level 3 ‘Conditional Autonomy’ the be legal on motorways from next year
The misunderstanding around the availability of self-driving technology today was – surprisingly – most prevalent in younger age groups.
Some 77 per cent of drivers aged 17-to-24 years old – those we would assume to be most tech-savvy and therefore have a better understanding of the difference between automated and fully-autonomous – believe self-driving cars are already on our roads today, compared to just 41 per cent over the age of 55.
‘The industry must be cautious with the language employed to sell automation and drivers must be made aware of the limitations of systems, a small number of which are already on sale and in-use in Germany with ALKS fitted, Avery adds.
‘This is vital not only during the early stages of adoption but also as we move towards fuller levels of automation.’
Other experts have also waded into the conversation about clearer messaging around automated and self-driving vehicle tech.
Steve Gooding, director, RAC Foundation, said: ‘Given all the hype surrounding automated car technology, particularly coverage of autonomous cars and taxis operating in the US, it isn’t surprising that some people think self-driving cars are already available on the UK market.
‘The most important point that this research highlights is the need to ensure drivers understand the limits of automated options when they do first appear on UK roads, particularly where the system requires the driver to stand ready to re-take control.’
Jonathan Dye, chair of the Automated Driving Insurer Group and head of underwriting, QBE said it is ‘critical’ for motorists to have a clear understanding of a vehicle’s capabilities and therefore their obligations regarding its safe use.
‘In addition to education and collaboration across industry sectors, a key element will be the sharing of data and the transparency of what each specific vehicle is capable of at a point in time,’ he said.
‘With some models likely to have the self-driving technology as ‘optional’, or as an ‘over the air update’, meaning it would be possible to change a vehicle’s capabilities overnight, it’s imperative the driver has a full and clear understanding of the vehicle’s limitations post update and that they are adequately protected by purchasing an appropriate insurance product.’
The poll also asked the 2,000 UK drivers about their perceived key benefits of cars incorporating more automated features and the eventual arrival of self-driving vehicles.
The most popular positive point was around the improvement to safety through removing human error (21 per cent), followed by increased mobility for the elderly and disabled (14 per cent) and reducing pollution through fewer traffic jams (8 per cent).
Very few drivers saw freeing up time to work (3 per cent), entertain themselves (3 per cent) or sleep (2 per cent) as advantages to automation, Thatcham Research found.
![Most UK drivers see the potential for improved road safety when self-driving cars do eventually arrive. Just 3% said having more time to entertain themselves will be a benefit](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/09/09/56796497-11402315-Most_UK_drivers_see_the_potential_for_improved_road_safety_when_-a-25_1667986326722.jpg)
Most UK drivers see the potential for improved road safety when self-driving cars do eventually arrive. Just 3% said having more time to entertain themselves will be a benefit
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/09/09/64308333-11402315-image-a-26_1667986326725.jpg)
Euro NCAP outlines plan to ramp up testing of self-driving tech by 2030
Euro NCAP has released new details about its ‘Vision 2030’ plans for a ‘Safer Future for Mobility’ that will focus on how it measures the performance of self-driving features that will become more commonplace in new cars towards the end of the decade.
There will also be additional assessments to rate the post-crash performance of electric vehicles, taking into account the impact on emergency services and how they gain access to stricken cars.
Its long-running four key areas of assessment – which have been in place since 2009 – will be adjusted to four distinct phases of a potential crash event: Safe Driving; Crash Avoidance; Crash Protection; and Post-Crash Safety. This change will take effect from 2026, it says.
Euro NCAP also plans to phase in virtual testing, improving testing for vulnerable road user protection, and introducing rating incentives for a range of driver monitoring systems.
![Euro NCAP outlines Vision 2030 plan to test electric cars and vehicles with self-driving features on sale by the end of the decade](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/09/09/64356459-11402315-Euro_NCAP_outlines_Vision_2030_plan_to_test_electric_cars_and_ve-a-27_1667986326726.jpg)
Euro NCAP outlines Vision 2030 plan to test electric cars and vehicles with self-driving features on sale by the end of the decade
Key additions to the Euro NCAP programme, looking forward to 2030 also include:
- Testing and assessment of Assisted and Automated driver support systems
- Assessment of technology that monitors driver impairment and cognitive distraction
- Requirements to further improve the real-world efficacy of speed assistance technology
- Active safety tests which more closely simulate real road environments and examine human-machine interaction (HMI) design, ensuring more robust and efficient driver assistant systems
- Testing and assessment of safety functions enabled by V2V, V2I and V2X communication
- Passive safety tests which give greater focus to gender equality and the aging population of drivers/occupants
- Evaluation of fire risk and thermal runaway in electric vehicles and improved information for first and second responders
- Promoting best practice in vehicle security and data access
Dr Niels Ebbe Jacobsen, President of Euro NCAP, said: ‘Cars are becoming more advanced as manufacturers work towards their goal of autonomous and connected vehicles.
‘We are not yet living in an era of fully self-driving cars but driving support technologies are becoming widespread.
‘Given the importance of these assisted and automated driving technologies, Euro NCAP will adopt a penalty/rewards approach for cars that offer these systems.
‘Also, Euro NCAP intends to accommodate all forms of connectivity and the various technical communication standards in the rating by evaluating each safety function in a technological neutral way.’
The safety body also adds that it will look to develop new programmes that will assess the safety of motorcycles and motor scooters, as well as light and heavy goods vehicles. It says these vehicle types will be targeted to ‘address the overrepresentation of them in road fatalities and serious injuries’.
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