ARE AUTOMAKERS IMPROVING SAFETY FAST ENOUGH?

EV Channels Review

This episode of Autoline This Week delves into the critical issue of automotive safety, questioning whether automakers are progressing fast enough with new technologies. David Harkey, President of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), highlights concerns about the naming and inconsistent operation of driver assistance systems, which can confuse consumers and lead to misuse. While acknowledging the safety benefits of technologies like automatic emergency braking (AEB) and blind-spot assist, Harkey stresses the importance of systems being turned on and used by consumers. A significant challenge discussed is the cost of advanced safety features, with a risk of them being exclusive to higher trims, thus limiting access for less affluent buyers. Harkey advocates for a balanced approach combining regulation and voluntary agreements to accelerate safety tech adoption, citing the success of the AEB voluntary program. He also points to regulatory hurdles, such as outdated headlight standards, that prevent the implementation of beneficial technologies already available elsewhere. The discussion also touches upon the need for clearer regulations for autonomous vehicle testing and deployment, and the persistent issues of speed and impairment in road safety.