Hands free driving

[Lutin]

Hands-free driving could be on UK roads by spring

Hands-free driving could arrive on UK roads by spring next year, the government has said, as it launched a consultation on the technology.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has issued a call for evidence into automated lane keeping systems (ALKS).

Such technology controls a car's movements and can keep it in lane for extended periods, although drivers need to be ready to take back control.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders claims it could cut accidents.

The technology could be given the go ahead for speeds of up to 70mph, according to the DfT, potentially making long stretches of tedious motorway driving a thing of the past.



What worries me is the

although drivers need to be ready to take back control

bit. A lot of drivers don't pay enough attention as it is, never mind with a hands free driving car.

Also, I wonder what the insurance industry has to say about this? Are they just going to point out the bit about "being ready to take back control" and walk away?

[Mr. Dazzle]

Well answering questions like that is the point of the consultation I guess.

Humans are crap at paying attention, machines are really good at it. So ultimately I'd have more faith in a machine's ability to stay awake.

My daughter is currently 2. I don't think she'll ever need a driving licence. Mrs D thinks I'm hopelessly optimistic.

[Horse]

Especially since it could take several seconds for a driver to realise that the car is telling him it's his turn, work out what's going on / wrong, then react.

[Dodgy69]

More madness I'm afraid.

[Mr. Dazzle]

Little article here on the insurance industry's view on autonomous driving.

https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-iss ... less-cars/

Ultimately they are in favour of it. Safer cars means fewer claims after all.

In the short term I'd imagine they'll just persue a claim against the driver, as you do now.

[Wossname]

"...but I'm sure I switched it to hands free, yer honour..."