DETROIT, Mich.–A new study by IIHS points to marketing confusion contributing to consumers’ confusion and mistrust about autonomous driving.
When it came to marketing, IIHS specifically focused on how the names of different autonomous systems affect misconceptions by the public. Autopilot was especially singled out, because the name suggests drivers “can turn their thoughts and eyes elsewhere.” A larger portion of people surveyed believed Autopilot allowed drivers to not pay attention to the car or the road at all versus competing autonomous systems.
Autopilot is an amazing technology, but some people seem to have missed the warnings about staying aware of your surroundings. Several Tesla drivers have been caught literally sleeping at the wheel with Autopilot on, while others have recklessly climbed into the backseat.
IIHS uncovered another troubling trend: people don’t understand the vehicle warnings displayed on gauge cluster and infotainment screens. While the level of understanding was better with training, that didn’t completely eliminate misunderstandings. Essentially, that means the systems are confusing, and no the problem isn’t humans. Instead, automakers need to do a better job of creating self-driving systems that are more intuitive to use
Carmakers are spending a lot of time and resources promoting their research and development into self-driving –trying to get the message across that they are developing cutting edge technology even if that technology is a few years from arriving in showrooms.
