Automated lane-keeping systems (ALKS) are a type of driver assistance technology that can keep a vehicle in its lane without human intervention. They are designed to work at low speeds on motorways, where traffic is predictable, and lanes are clearly marked.
The UK government has recently announced that it will allow ALKS to be used on British roads from this year, following a consultation with the industry and the public. The government claims that ALKS will improve road safety, reduce congestion and emissions, and pave the way for more advanced autonomous driving technology in the future.
But only some are convinced that ALKS is ready for widespread use. Some experts and groups have raised concerns about the safety, legality, and ethical implications of ALKS and the potential impact on drivers' skills and behavior.
In this article, we will explore some of the pros and cons of ALKS and how they compare to other driver assistance systems and fully self-driving cars.
What are ALKS, and how do they work?
ALKS is a type of Level 3 autonomous driving, according to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) classification. This means that they can take over the driving task under certain conditions but require the driver to be ready to resume control when needed.
ALKS uses cameras, sensors, and software to monitor the road ahead and the vehicle's position in its lane. They can steer, accelerate and brake the vehicle within its lane as long as the speed is below 37 mph (60 km/h) and the traffic is flowing smoothly.
The driver can activate or deactivate ALKS with a steering wheel or dashboard button. When ALKS is active, the driver can take their hands off the wheel and their eyes off the road but must remain alert and attentive to any alerts or warnings from the system.
Suppose ALKS detects a situation that requires human intervention, such as an obstacle, a lane change, or a traffic jam. In that case, they will alert the driver with visual, auditory, or haptic signals. Depending on the system's design, the driver must then take back control of the vehicle within a certain time frame.
If the driver fails to respond or is incapacitated, ALKS will initiate an emergency maneuver, such as slowing down, activating hazard lights, and stopping in a safe place.
What are the benefits of ALKS?
The main benefit of ALKS is reducing driver fatigue and stress, especially during long motorway journeys. By taking over the mundane and repetitive task of keeping the vehicle in its lane, ALKS can allow drivers to relax and enjoy their ride more.
Another benefit of ALKS is that they can improve road safety by reducing human errors and distractions that can cause accidents. According to a study by Thatcham Research, a UK-based automotive research center, ALKS could prevent up to 47% of lane-departure accidents on motorways.
A third benefit of ALKS is that they can reduce congestion and emissions by optimizing traffic flow and fuel efficiency. By maintaining a steady speed and distance from other vehicles, ALKS can avoid unnecessary braking and accelerating, which can cause traffic jams and increase fuel consumption.
A fourth benefit of ALKS is that it can pave the way for more advanced autonomous driving technology in the future. By introducing drivers to a new level of automation, ALKS can help them become more familiar and comfortable with handing over control to machines. This could facilitate the adoption of Level 4 and Level 5 automation, which can operate without human intervention in most or all situations.
What are the challenges and risks of ALKS?
One of the main challenges of ALKS is ensuring their safety and reliability in real-world conditions. Although ALKS has been tested extensively by manufacturers and regulators, they may still encounter situations that they cannot handle or predict, such as poor weather, road works, or unexpected events.
Another challenge of ALKS is defining its legal and ethical status and responsibility. For instance, who is liable for an accident involving an ALKS-equipped vehicle: the driver, the manufacturer, or both? How should ALKS handle moral dilemmas, such as choosing between hitting a pedestrian or another vehicle? How should ALKS communicate with other road users like cyclists or pedestrians?
How does ALKS compare to other driver assistance systems and self-driving cars?
ALKS is not the first or the only driver assistance system available on the market. Many vehicles already have features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, and emergency braking, which can help drivers with some aspects of driving but do not completely take over the driving task.
ALKS is also different from fully self-driving cars, which are still under development and testing. Fully self-driving cars are expected to reach Level 4 or Level 5 automation, which means they can operate without human intervention in most or all situations and handle complex and dynamic scenarios such as urban traffic, intersections, and roundabouts.
ALKS is a step between these two levels of automation and offers a limited form of self-driving capability under specific conditions. They are intended to enhance rather than replace human drivers and to complement rather than compete with other driver assistance systems.
What are the next steps for ALKS?
The UK government has said that it will allow ALKS to be used on British roads from this year, following a consultation with the industry and the public. The government will also work with international partners to ensure that ALKS meets rigorous safety standards and are compatible with global regulations.
The government has also said that it will continue to support the research and development of more advanced autonomous driving technology and will update the legal framework as needed to enable their safe deployment.
The automotive industry has welcomed the government's announcement and said it would work closely with the authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that ALKS are introduced safely and responsibly. The industry has also said it will continue investing in innovation and education to improve public awareness and acceptance of ALKS and other self-driving technologies.
ALKS is a promising technology that could benefit drivers, passengers, and society. However, they also pose many challenges and risks that must be addressed carefully and collaboratively. As ALKS become more widely available and used, it is essential that drivers understand their capabilities and limitations and that they remain alert and responsible when using them.
Some of the top brands using automated lane-keeping systems are:
- Tesla offers Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capability features that include lane centering assist, lane departure warning, and lane change assist on its Model 3, Y, S, and X vehicles.
- GM offers Super Cruise and Ultra Cruise features that include lane centering assist, lane departure warning, and lane change assist on its Cadillac CT6, Cadillac Escalade, Chevy Bolt, and Hummer EV vehicles.
- Audi offers Traffic Jam Pilot and Highway Pilot features, including lane centering assist, lane departure warning, and lane change assist on its Audi A6, Audi A8 and Audi Q8 e-tron vehicles.
Other brands offering automated lane-keeping systems on some of their vehicles include BMW, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi, and Nissan.
