I think we need to add a new level 2 assisted driving skills section to driving tests. Level 2 can be safer but it really requires understanding how level 2 works and limitations. For example, when I use level 2 (mine is Honda but applies to other level 2 as well since they mostly share the same vendor), these are the rules I follow:
- Car switching in/out of my lane, I manually take over
- Tight curve in the freeway, manually take over
- Very frequently check the dashboard indicator that shows if the sensors "sees" the car front or not
- Anything unusual like construction, cones, car on shoulder, manually take over
- Anything that looks difficult like weird merging lanes, manually take over
- Any bad weather or condition like sun directly in front, manual drive
- Frequently adjusting max speed setting on ACC. It's safer to not be too much above the prevailing speeds. Otherwise, if ACC suddenly becomes blind, it can accelerate dangerously as it tries to reach max set speed.
- I don't trust lane keep much, it's mostly a backup for my own steering and making my arms less tired turning the wheel
The key thing is to recognize just how dumb this technology is. It's not smart, it's not AI. It's just a bit above the old cruise control. With that mindset it can be used safely.
- Car switching in/out of my lane, I manually take over
- Tight curve in the freeway, manually take over
- Very frequently check the dashboard indicator that shows if the sensors "sees" the car front or not
- Anything unusual like construction, cones, car on shoulder, manually take over
- Anything that looks difficult like weird merging lanes, manually take over
- Any bad weather or condition like sun directly in front, manual drive
- Frequently adjusting max speed setting on ACC. It's safer to not be too much above the prevailing speeds. Otherwise, if ACC suddenly becomes blind, it can accelerate dangerously as it tries to reach max set speed.
- I don't trust lane keep much, it's mostly a backup for my own steering and making my arms less tired turning the wheel
The key thing is to recognize just how dumb this technology is. It's not smart, it's not AI. It's just a bit above the old cruise control. With that mindset it can be used safely.