The automotive industry faces mounting and sobering evidence that a real self-driving revolution is not just around the corner; in fact, it remains years away. Among other reasons, it’s become clear that the longer a driver uses partial automation, the more careless they get. That’s the impetus behind the growing awareness that DMS (driver monitoring systems) can improve automotive safety; the European Parliament has updated its General Safety Regulation (GSR) for type-approval requirements, while the Euro NCAP (new car assessment program) is completing its DMS test protocols in preparation for requiring a good DMS for a five-star rating starting in 2024.
Another signal came recently from a provision in a major U.S. infrastructure bill to require technology in new cars to tell if a would-be driver has had too much alcohol, in which case the car would be disabled. Whatever that idea’s merits and flaws might be, and whatever questions and problems it might raise, it is squarely within the remit of a DMS. It confirms that regulators still see the human driver as centrally responsible for automotive safety, with or without support by ADAS.
So DMS are emerging as the crucial safety system in the middle of the shifting human-machine relationship. That’s a fine reason to register for next month’s DVN and DVN-Interior Workshop near Detroit (and online); you’ll want to do so while there’s still space for you.
Meanwhile, don’t miss this week’s in-depth piece on zero-gravity seating!
Sincerely yours,