Tina Bellon

(Reuters) – Vehicles equipped with automatic assistance technology aimed to keep drivers awake and on the roads, fail in their job according to an American Automobile Association study.

Monitoring systems that depend only on driver’s actions at the wheel of the car were found to be ineffective, according to an AAA study. The systems that monitor driver’s eye position and head movement with cameras were more successful in keeping drivers focused, even though vehicle software was being used.

AAA reported that the average time it took for direct monitoring systems to issue an alert was 50 seconds faster than indirect steering wheel input.

(Graphic: Some driver monitoring systems fail at their job: https://graphics.reuters.com/AUTOS-AUTONOMOUS/SAFTEY/gkplgboywvb/chart.png)

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are incorporating monitoring systems. These systems can be used to automate certain driving tasks, as well as control a vehicle’s braking or acceleration. They are now available on additional vehicle models, and their cost helps to boost car sales.

Although automakers claim that the system improves safety and convenience, safety experts and insurance companies have warned repeatedly about drivers’ mistaking them for self-driving vehicles, which can lead to overreliance.

Two camera-based surveillance systems were tested by the AAA. One was a 2021 Cadillac Escalade equipped with General Motors’ (NYSE:) “Super Cruise” system, while another was a 2021 Subaru Forester (OTC::) Forester with EyeSight technology. There are also two systems that only depend on steering wheel engagement, one is a 2021 Hyundai SantaFE with “Highway Driving Assist”, and one with “Autopilot” from Tesla (NASDAQ:).

Following closely behind the Tesla, Hyundai’s system was worst. Although GM and Subaru systems did a better job of keeping drivers interested, none of these monitoring systems was perfect.

Greg Brannon of AAA’s automotive engineering said that while driver monitoring systems may be an effective first step towards preventing dangerous crashes, they do not guarantee safety.

Tesla Model 3s, Ys will be produced by 2021. They will later have cabin cameras that can detect driver inattentiveness.

AAA claimed it was granted a 2020 Model 3 purely based on availability.