La seguridad siempre ha sido un elemento básico when it comes to automakers’ design and innovation. After all, most drivers would opt for a vehicle that has características de seguridad añadidas to ensure driver safety. This has been demonstrated by the fact that US buyers are more than willing to fork over extra cash for such features. But whether it is the manufacturer’s ultimate goal for a safer automobile or just a grab for expanded market share, the safety of modern cars continues to grow. So what happens when we are no longer the ones operating the vehicle and are Sólo para el viaje?

Esa es la pregunta que muchos se han estado haciendo, ya sean los consumidores en general, los propios fabricantes de automóviles o las agencias reguladoras del Gobierno. Y estos fabricantes ahora se han propuesto garantizar la seguridad de los conductores cuando operan (nótese que no dijimos que conducen) un vehículo autónomo o que se conduce solo.

¿Cómo podemos hacer que los coches autónomos sean más seguros?

Los fabricantes de automóviles están utilizando pequeñas cámaras y sensores para pista de cabezas colgantes. They will also use directional wheel screens capable of sending our audible cautions to guarantee drivers’ focus when utilizing self-driving vehicles. These are seen as a response to concerns that have come to light regarding Tesla’s Autopilot, which currently enables drivers to get their hands off the wheel.

So what exactly prompted this? Last year, it was reported in May 2016, que el accidente de un Tesla Model S that had resulted in driver death was related to utilizing Autopilot, the first ever of its kind. After this, the National Transportation Safety Board exhibited that clients could, for the most part, keep their hands off the wheel for extended periods despite repeated notices coming from the vehicle.

In any case, the crash also managed to underscore a particularly vexing issue for automakers. Unless a car is equipped for driving itself securely for every situation, drivers will at least for now need to stay alert. This means it will be necessary for drivers operating a self-driving vehicle to be prepared to take control regardless of the autopilot system or autonomous program it is using.

The National Transportation Safety Board or NTSB, the government organization that is tasked with examining huge transportation mishaps, said that during a 37-minute segment of the 41-minute Tesla trip, the driver kept his hands on the wheel for only 25 seconds. He apparently put his hands on the wheel for about one to three seconds, beyond that. All of that in spite of getting visual and audio notices.

Respuesta de los fabricantes de automóviles a la seguridad de los vehículos autónomos

Motores generales developed a new driver-assist system called Super Cruise that was at first made for release the end of last year.  Sadly, the innovation is set to be discounted this fall. Barry Walkup, the main designer of Super Cruise, said they included “a driver assist system that demanded driver supervision.”

The Super Cruise system framework utilizes a tiny camera aimed at the driver. It also works with infrared lights to track them. It sees where the driver is looking. If the system notices that the driver is not focusing, it will prompt the driver to pay attention. The system utilizes facial recognition software. Should the driver fail to react, it will not only activate more cautions, visual markers, and audio alarms. A guiding wheel light bar is also on board. If the driver still does not react, the vehicle is forced into a controlled stop.

Volkswagen AG’s Audi unit also has a framework that handles directing and braking at rates of up to 40 mph. This actually requires the driver to check in with the guiding wheel at regular intervals. Audi said the framework will beep cautions at the driver. And if the driver does not react, the car will stop slowly.

¿Cómo están respondiendo las agencias gubernamentales y los reguladores?

El Administración Nacional de Seguridad del Tráfico en las Carreteras does not test or pre-affirm self-driving frameworks before automakers introduce them. They are the lead organization for managing cars. Rather, the organization reacts to protests or crashes. This is connected to when they examine whether or not there was a potential error that led to a hazard. The May 2016 Tesla mishap has raised worries about the control of self-driving cars.

The NTSB will also, in turn, issue reports from their discoveries and may make suggestions to the NHTSA.