On today’s programme we looked at 2 very different stories about motoring.
Now I’ll be perfectly honest, I’m not too sure about the planned changes to the Highway Code announced last week that will allow motorists with self-driving cars to watch TV and films while at the wheel.
Frankly I don’t have that much faith in the technology never going awry.
As it so happens there are currently no vehicles approved for self-driving on roads in the UK, but if the vehicles do get the green light then the government has laid out rules which would apply.
The Department for Transport describes self-driving vehicles as those that are ‘capable of safely driving themselves when the self-driving function is correctly turned on and the driver follows the manufacturer’s instructions’.
These differ from cars fitted with assisted driving features, like cruise control and lane-keeping assistance.
It explains that ‘while the vehicle is driving itself, you don’t need to monitor it’, and adds: “While a self-driving vehicle is driving itself in “a valid situation”, you are not responsible for how it drives.” It doesn’t actually explain just what constitutes “a valid situation”.
However we are being told that the person behind the wheel may turn his or her attention away from the road and may also view content through the vehicle’s “built-in infotainment apparatus, if available.”
In spite of this the department says that drivers of self-driving vehicles must still follow all relevant laws, including being fit to drive and having a road legal and roadworthy car.
Drivers must also refrain from doing anything illegal such as using a hand-held device such as a mobile phone or tablet.
But it’s OK to watch TV but not to use a mobile phone! Now I ask you does that make sense?
Apparently the government seems convinced that self-driving vehicles will ‘give you enough warning’ if it needs to hand control back to the driver – really? but says drivers will not be held responsible should they crash.
In the event of an accident, insurance companies will be liable for claims – I’m sure that will delight them or possibly simply result in higher premiums!
Meanwhile over in Wyoming a 53-year old learner driver took to the wheel under the watchful eye of a relative.
Deciding it might be safer if the lesson was conducted away from any major roads, they opted for the local cemetery.
Good thing really as the driver hit the accelerator, rather than the break and ended up colliding with, and destroying 8 headstones and doing considerable damage to others.
Neither of the vehicle’s occupants were injured but they will certainly be facing a considerable bill for the resultant damage!
Presumably they came to a “dead halt!”
See you again tomorrow,
Scott
