Mercedes-Benz Receives Authorization for Level 3 Automated Driving in the US
Mercedes-Benz has become the first automotive company to receive authorization for SAE Level 3 conditionally automated driving on US roads. The authorization will begin in the state of Nevada. However, legal experts are questioning whether existing laws and regulations are sufficient to determine the automaker’s liability for crashes and incidents that may occur when its groundbreaking Drive Pilot system is engaged.
Legal Experts Call for Clarity on Liability
While Mercedes-Benz claims that existing laws and regulations are enough to determine liability, legal experts disagree. They argue that new rules and laws need to be established to determine whether motorists or automakers will be held responsible for traffic offenses and accidents when automated driving systems are in control. William Widen, a law professor at the University of Miami, suggests that the law should demand the same driving performance from a computer driver as it does from a human driver.
Uncertainty exists over whether a human driver would be ticketed for traffic offenses while using the Drive Pilot system. Bryant Walker Smith, a law and engineering professor at the University of South Carolina, suggests that the answer may vary depending on the state. In some states, where the vehicle is considered to be driving, the ticket may go to the automaker.
Mercedes-Benz Launches Drive Pilot System
Mercedes-Benz plans to launch the Drive Pilot system on its 2024 S-Class and EQS sedans in the coming months. Drive Pilot is an advanced automated driving system that allows motorists to “take their mind off the traffic.” However, there is still uncertainty surrounding certain safety-critical aspects of the system. Mercedes-Benz has not clarified whether motorists can engage in activities such as reading a book or watching TV while the system is active.
Liability and Legal Clarity
Mercedes-Benz has issued a response to address concerns about liability for crashes or incidents that may occur while the Drive Pilot system is active. The company claims that the legal systems in California, Nevada, and Germany, where the system will be launched, provide a basis for determining responsibility and liability. However, legal experts argue that the status quo does not clearly delineate responsibility between the computer and the human driver.
Without legal clarity, there are concerns that motorists may assume they have been absolved of legal responsibility while using Level 3 automated driving systems. Experts emphasize the need for clear laws and regulations to determine liability in these cases. Until then, motorists should not rely on manufacturers’ assurances and should wait for legal clarity before using such systems.
Conclusion
Mercedes-Benz’s authorization for Level 3 automated driving in the US marks a significant milestone in the automotive industry. However, legal experts are calling for clear laws and regulations to determine liability for traffic offenses and accidents when automated driving systems are engaged. The lack of legal clarity raises concerns about motorists’ legal responsibility and the potential criminal liability of automakers in the event of accidents. As Mercedes-Benz prepares to launch its Drive Pilot system, it remains to be seen how the legal landscape will adapt to accommodate the advancements in automated driving technology.
