If [Self-Driving] Is Implemented, Drinking Will Be Possible In The Car?

 

Currently, drink-driving is prohibited in Japan, and if the police finds out that you are driving under the influence of alcohol, you would be punished by laws.

However, there is the endless condition of people who still do drink-driving, and accidents caused by drink-driving are featured in the news almost every year.

To change such a present condition, the development of “self-driving”is steadily evolving, and there is possibility that the social problems would be solved by AI.

Definition Of  An Autonomous Driving Has Levels

In the previous article entitled “There is a level in the definition of an autonomous driving”, there are explanations that automated driving has six phases of levels, and three or more are defined as self-driving. Level 1, 2 are called “Driver assistances”, and AI supports only human’s driving. Level 3 and above is called “self-driving”.

Drink-Driving Would Be Possible At Level 4 Or Above

 

Although Level 3 or above (conditional driving automation) have been defined as self-driving, drink-driving can be performed at Level 4 or above (advanced driving automation). Currently, Japan only supports up to level 2, but it would take time to reach Levels 3 to 4.

At “Level 3” which is included in self-driving, at least one passenger should be in the driver’s seat, and watching TV and using a mobile are possible during driving. However, the reason why drink-driving cannot be performed at “Level 3” is that the system sometimes requires to switch from self-driving to manual driving.

An Accident Occurred During An Experiment In The United States

In the United States, the current situation is that the elements of concern cannot be removed in terms of safety as a fatal accident of a pedestrian occured during an experiment of self-driving. Certainly, it is questionable that drivers would be able to drive with confident by suddenly switching from manual driving that has been performed until now to self-driving.

When these factors are added to consider, there are unpredictable parts whether the autonomous vehicles would have enough global demand or not even if it is released.

Whose Responsibility When An Accident Occured

Although “Level 3  (Conditional Driving Automation)” is defined as self-driving, the driver is responsible for the accident. It is because human also has a role as a driver such as at least one person needs to sit in the driver’s seat, and sometimes switching from self-driving to manual driving is required.

As long as the vague condition remains, even if you purchase a Level 3 autonomous car and actually drive it, it is true that you are still afraid to look away, but you cannot drive with confidence.

It would be possible to provide the real security as well as the re-assurance to drivers by revising the laws, discussing more about it, and clarifying it from now.

 

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