IIHS Says Vast Majority Of Driver Monitoring Systems Are Poor

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released the findings of its new rating program that evaluates the safeguards incorporated into semi-automated driving systems, and it's somewhat surprising.

14 systems have been tested so far, and only one obtained an 'Acceptable' rating. Two were rated as 'Marginal' while 11 scored as 'Poor.'

Many new cars on sale today offer semi-autonomous driving capabilities. However, the driver must still pay attention and hold the steering wheel. When that doesn't happen, the vehicle needs to take action and warn the driver. The IIHS says many of these systems are not effective enough, which could make them more dangerous to occupants and other road users.

«We evaluated partial automation systems from BMW, Ford, General Motors, Genesis, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Tesla and Volvo,» said IIHS President David Harkey. «Most of them don't include adequate measures to prevent misuse and keep drivers from losing focus on what's happening on the road.»

The Teammate system on the Lexus LS is the only one that obtained an 'Acceptable' rating, while the GMC Sierra and Nissan Ariya received 'Marginal' ratings. Alarmingly, the Volvo S90, Tesla Model 3, Genesis G90, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Ford Mustang Mach-E all obtained the dreaded 'Poor' rating. It's worth noting the Lexus LS and Nissan Ariya are also available with poorer-performing safeguard systems.

IIHS Senior Research Scientist Alexandra Mueller says these systems are plagued with shortcomings and notes that many don't «adequately monitor» whether the driver is paying attention. While there are attention reminders, they are not noticeable and don't alert the driver soon enough. «Many [systems] can be used despite occupants being unbelted or when other vital safety features are switched off,» she added.

With this new test, the IIHS hopes manufacturers will design improved safeguard systems that prevent drivers from not paying attention or misusing semi-autonomous technology. The safety institute also hopes automakers will have additional built-in safeguards, such as turning off the partial self-driving systems when seat belts are unbuckled or switching off automatic emergency