AS Tesla is toying with the notion of autopilot and full self-driving capability (features that do not make a vehicle autonomous), one wonders if the Malaysian roads are ready for this so-called futuristic automotive technology.
This comes to mind after a series of viral TikTok videos in which a Singaporean couple drove to Penang in a Model 3 using the semi-autonomous driving system. User SGpikarchu caught the attention of Malaysian cops when he demonstrated such functionality by driving certain sections of his journey hands-free.
Citing Bukit Aman Traffic Investigations and Enforcement chief assistant director Superintendent Dr Bakri Zainal Abidin who refers to a research report from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Guang Ming Daily said the use of automated driving functions can lead to drivers being inattentive and insensitive to road conditions.
“From the Royal Malaysian Police’s perspective, Malaysia currently has no rules or laws against automated driving systems, but these systems do not help drivers keep their full attention on driving – the system can’t even be sure if there is a driver sitting in the vehicle,” contended Bakri.
“This will probably cause the driver to pay less attention to the traffic around them, instead spending their time on other distracting things such as using a mobile phone while driving.”
As it is, even the US has prohibited the use of autonomous vehicles despite carmakers and tech companies testing such vehicles in the country.
Bakri reminded motorists that the Road Traffic Rules 1959 stipulates good attitude, caution and concentration while driving.
Even if all vehicles in the future are equipped with automated driving functions, he said drivers should always pay attention and be aware of road conditions in order to swiftly take over the steering wheel to prevent an accident should these systems malfunction.
According to motoring portal paultan.org, there are no vehicles currently sold in Malaysia or Singapore that allow hands-free driving. There are certain cars that have extended Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability in countries like the US and Japan, enabling limited hands-free driving.
“The Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Germany and the Honda Legend Hybrid EX in Japan are also capable of Level 3 autonomy, but those are very rare exceptions that are tightly regulated and only allowed to function under very specific circumstances,” noted paultan.org.
“Vehicles with ‘regular’ Level 2 automated driving features have fail-safe measures in place to prevent drivers from abusing the system such as warning the driver and disabling the system altogether if they detect extended amounts of hands-free driving.” – April 8, 2022
