The new Audi A8 has an advanced semi-autonomous driving system but Consumer Reports is suggesting some of its claims could be dangerous.
Citing the company’s own press release, Consumer Reports takes issue with Audi’s statement that traffic jam pilot allows drivers to “take their hands off the steering wheel permanently and, depending on the national laws, focus on a different activity that is supported by the car, such as watching the on-board TV.”
When asked about the claim, Audi spokesman Justin Goduto seemed to walk back the company’s line by saying “This is a touchy area and, as a car manufacturer, we expect our customers to pay attention and to drive safely.” He also stated government regulators will have the final say on what is acceptable.
Consumer Reports isn’t the one with concerns as the chief research officer for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, David Zuby, said “We have concerns about a system that would allow drivers to disengage from the driving task if the system isn’t able to completely and safely resolve any situation, up to and including reaching its limits.”
Semi-autonomous driving systems will certainly ease the task of driving but they’re not infallible. The National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report on the fatal Tesla Model S crash highlighted this point as it revealed the driver was likely too reliant on the Autopilot system and wasn’t paying attention to the road.