Every level of autonomous driving moves us closer to the day when we have self-driving cars that don’t need human interaction. The next step can be found in a Level 3 self-driving car, but what does this mean?
Several automakers have figured out Level 2 driving systems, but going to the next level hasn’t become widespread or approved for most roadways yet. There are many drawbacks to furthering autonomous driving and allowing drivers to ride around in cars without keeping their hands on the wheel. Let’s dig in and learn what it will take to have a Level 3 self-driving car in your driveway.
How do we go from Level 2 to Level 3?
Many vehicles currently have Level 2 autonomy. If you think about Tesla’s Autopilot system, Ford’s Blue Cruise, and GM’s Super Cruise, you’re thinking about systems that offer Level 2 self-driving systems. The Ford and GM systems have mapped roads programmed into their databases, which helps them maintain position on the road, while the Tesla system uses a wide array of cameras and radar systems to maintain lane position on the road. In all three of these systems, the driver must stay alert and keep their eyes on the road.
In a Level 3 self-driving car, the requirement for the driver to maintain attention is removed. This is the greatest difference between Level 2 and Level 3 driving. According to the SAE International’s spectrum, the vehicle can drive itself under limited conditions, such as on highways or in stop-and-go traffic without driver input. When Level 3 driving is allowed, the driver can sit back, relax, and watch a movie, take a nap, or just relax and enjoy the scenery. A nap might not be a good idea because the driver still needs to be prepared to retake control in an emergency.
Benefits of Level 3 Autonomy
You might not feel ready for your car to drive itself, but there could be some benefits that you can enjoy if you allow this to happen. Of course, the conditions must be ideal for the vehicle to take over and handle the ride. Some of the benefits of this type of autonomy are:
Reduced driver fatigue and stress
When you can disengage from the task of driving for a while, you can feel more energized and ready for whatever task awaits you upon your arrival. The stress of stop-and-go traffic can be taxing; a Level 3 self-driving car can help with this.
Enhanced crash avoidance
Reaction times for your vehicle should be much faster than yours as a human. This is because the Level 3 system is computerized and should react and avoid danger much faster and better than you can. This is still theoretical, but could be proven as more vehicles receive Level 3 autonomy.
Time efficiencies
When the car does the driving, you get some time back. Instead of spending your entire commute or road trip driving and being unable to do anything else, you can catch up on news, watch movies, send pictures to friends, or simply relax while the car is driving.
Drawbacks of Level 3 Autonomy
As with any new technology, rolling tech out to the public brings about situations and environments that weren’t thought of by the development team. Some of the drawbacks to Level 3 driving are:
Driver liability
Because a Level 3 self-driving car allows the human driver to be completely disengaged, if issues arise while the system is driving the car, how can the driver be at fault or liable for anything that occurs? In order to respond and retake control in time, the human driver needs time to respond to the system, which might not always be possible.
Control handoff
Changing control from the driver to the Level 3 system creates the potential for danger. When lazy and irresponsible drivers don’t act as driving partners for their car and become disconnected or unprepared mentally to retake control during an emergency, things can go bad quickly. There have already been several reported accidents caused by human drivers mismanaging Level 2 systems; removing the need for the driver to pay attention could be even more deadly in Level 3 vehicles.
Limited operational conditions
There are very specific conditions in which Level 3 tech can be used, and if those conditions aren’t met, the driver doesn’t get the break they were counting on when they purchased a vehicle with this level of autonomy.
Maximum speed ceilings
Level 3 systems are currently limited to much lower speeds than you would expect to find when you drive on a highway. Currently, BMW has a system limited to 37 MPH, while the Mercedes-Benz system can’t operate at speeds above 40 MPH.
Technological failures
Technology can easily and quickly fail us. Otherwise, you would never have to reboot your computer or restart your phone. Now, you’re going to put your life in the hands of a computer that might need to be rebooted and may not alert you to impending danger.
Which automakers have functional Level 3 systems?
Currently, if you want a Level 3 self-driving car, you only have three options. These are:
- Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot
- BMW Personal Pilot L3 (Not available in the United States)
- Honda Sensing Elite (Only offered in Japan)
Would you drive a Level 3 self-driving car and allow it to drive while you rest for a while?
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