What's in a Name

Automotive manufacturers continue to develop sophisticated vehicle systems to assist with the driving task, reduce the likelihood of a crash and introduce increased levels of automated technology. However, today’s partially automated driving systems have inconsistent and confusing names, making it more challenging for consumers to understand their actual capabilities.

AAA’s research shows that four-in-ten Americans misjudge partially automated driving systems’ ability based on names like Autopilot, ProPILOT and Pilot Assist.

To assess the actual capability of this technology, AAA conducted primary research to determine how partially automated vehicle systems performed in common driving conditions.

Testing was done on both a closed course, to simulate common dynamic driving scenarios, and on public highways, to evaluate performance in naturalistic environments, using four test vehicle equipped with these systems.

1. During real-world driving, lane-keeping events accounted for 88% of events requiring driver intervention.
2. During closed-course testing, vehicles performed according to expectations.• Three out of the four test vehicles were influenced by the presence of a simulated distracted/impaired lead vehicle.
3. 40% of Americans would expect partially automated car systems with names such as Autopilot, ProPILOT or Pilot Assist to have the ability to drive the car by itself.

AAA provides more than 59 million members with automotive, travel, insurance and financial services through its federation of 35 motor clubs and nearly 1,100 branch offices across North America. Drivers can request roadside assistance, identify nearby gas prices, locate discounts, book a hotel or map a route via the AAA Mobile app. To join, visit AAA.com.