AAA Now Warns That Collision Avoidance Systems Are Not Reliable

There is a reason why cars with collision avoidance systems still come with mirrors and windows, as the systems aren’t quite good enough to serve as a substitute for a human brain yet. So some flaws are to be expected. But recent AAA findings suggest that the problem might be worse than you’d expect. Blind spot detection is especially iffy, with systems having a hard time detecting fast-moving vehicles and motorcycles.
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MDarringer - 12/12/2014 8:13:46 PM

+1 Boost

A greater collision avoidance system would be to pass a law that all cell phones are immobilized from handheld conversation and texting while driving.

mre30 - 12/13/2014 11:26:06 AM

+1 Boost

I would agree with that. I think the "self-driving" car concept should also be called out as not ready for primetime, since it depends on theses "self-driving" car systems, knitted together, to control the car.

I have two newer Mercedes with these systems and in regular use (20,000 miles in each vehicle), you can definitely see, in practice, where the software programming for the system stops (i.e. motorcycles and fast moving cars) and the operator would be put at risk. I think the role of these systems is to provide a benefit 80% of the time - but there are definitely situations where they won't work alone.

In addition to the "blind-spot" assist (which works great 80% of the time), I will always check my mirrors and over my shoulder.

I hope the car companies get this under control from an "expectations" standpoint - because eventually somebody will either get killed/injured and end up suing them. It would be a shame if this fundamentally good technology fell victim to a lawsuits.

w222 - 12/13/2014 12:30:24 PM

+1 Boost

From my experience I would agree these systems arn't ready for prime time yet.
I drove the new s class on the freeway to test the "follow the car ahead of you mode". Several times I had to take over the steering wheel as it was veering out if lane and braking too close to the car ahead.
It isn't better with the A8 since I've seen the AAC brake warning light in several times in a month.
I think in order for these systems to be 100% reliable, all the cars would need to be outfitted with them. The roads themselves need to have sensors so all cars and roads can communicate.

800over - 12/13/2014 3:47:27 PM

0 Boost

You had to "take over the steering wheel"?!?!? YOU are the driver. Have control of your vehicle at all times and never take your hands off the wheel and you'll be fine.

CarCrazedinCali - 12/13/2014 4:13:44 PM

+1 Boost

Euro Safety agency praised the system offered by MINI:

http://www.motoringfile.com/2014/12/11/euro-ncap-advanced-award-goes-to-the-mini-driving-assistant/