Driver monitoring systems typically use either a camera or steering wheel to detect when a driver is distracted when a vehicle is running autonomously. Currently, all vehicles with a level of autonomy are required by law to have an alert driver ready to take the wheel at any moment.
However, real-world testing by AAA found that the systems using a driver-facing camera are the best at keeping motorists focused on the road, but the technology is not foolproof and a driver determined to cheat the system can still defeat it.
“The key to a safe, active driving-assistance system is effective driver monitoring that can’t be easily tricked,” said Greg Brannon, automotive engineering director at AAA.
“Vehicle technology has the potential to improve roadway safety, but the last thing we want are ineffective features in the hands of uninformed or overconfident drivers.”
Active driving-assistance systems are widely available and often called semi-autonomous because...