UK to allow self-driving car users watch videos but mobile phone usage remains illegal

With the current developments of autonomous driving technologies, the United Kingdom will soon amend its highway codes to cover self-driving vehicles that are expected to hit their roads soon. One of the biggest changes to the current regulation is allowing viewing of content not related to driving on built-in screens in the vehicle while the vehicle is driving itself.

The proposed change would allow users to watch TV, movies or digital content behind the wheel as the car is self-driving. Obviously, this is only permitted when the technology is used safely and drivers must be ready at all times to resume control in a timely manner if required, such as approaching motorway exits.

Interestingly, the usage of smartphones is still not allowed. According to the statement, it is still illegal to use mobile phones in self-driving mode, given the greater risk they pose in distracting drivers as shown in research.

While the move to accept autonomous driving technologies is seen as a progressive one, the new rules are expected to begin with vehicles travelling at slow speeds on motorways, for example, when the driver is stuck in a traffic jam.

In April last year, the government was looking into classifying vehicles with automated lane-keeping systems (ALKS) as self-driving as long as they receive GB type approval and there’s “no evidence to challenge the vehicle’s ability to self-drive.” However, existing technology available right now is considered “assistive” where drivers must always remain in control and responsible.

The new changes were announced after a public consultation into the safe use rules for automated vehicles. It was reported that the majority of respondents were broadly supportive of the proposed changes to the Highway Code to clarify drivers’ responsibilities in self-driving vehicles.

The UK government says it is continuing to develop a full legal framework for self-driving vehicles to enable the safer and greener movement of people and goods in the country. They are expecting to approve the first self-driving vehicles later this year. Such vehicles will be required to undergo rigorous testing and they will be approved as self-driving vehicles only after meeting stringent standards.

If a self-driving car is involved in an accident, interestingly, the user will not be responsible under the proposed changes to the Highway Code. Instead, the insurance company will become financially liable for the accident in a self-driving car.

UK Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said this marks a major milestone in the safe introduction of self-driving vehicles which will revolutionise the way we travel, making future journeys greener, safer and more reliable. He said the exciting new technology is developing at pace in Great Britain and they will ensure strong foundations in place for drivers when it takes to the roads.

Not only it will improve travel for all but also boost economic growth and secure Britain’s place as a global science superpower. The government claims the development of self-driving vehicles could create 38,000 new high-skilled jobs worth GBP 41.7 billion (about RM233.6 billion) by 2035.

Following the announcement, former politician turned news host, Nigel Farage, was surprised by the proposal to allow users to watch TV on built-in screens in a self-driving car but any use of a mobile phone will remain illegal. He said he doesn’t get the logic of that but perhaps if someone else does, they can explain it to him.

At the moment, most new vehicles with advanced safety features offer Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance which includes lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. For a fully self-driving experience, a vehicle must achieve Level 4 or Level 5 automation where most of the driving is handled by the system with little to no human intervention.

The Royal Malaysian Police has recently voiced out against the use of autopilot mode after a video of a Singaporean Tesla owner using the feature went viral on TikTok. Bukit Aman chief assistant director Superintendent Dr Bakri Zainal Abidin said the usage of autopilot mode without their hands on the steering wheel goes against the Land Transport Act 1987. While mentioning that the autopilot feature is helpful, he said drivers should keep their hands on the wheel at all times.

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