California and Nevada have approved a test of the new light color.

Turquoise taillights tell you this Mercedes is driving autonomously::California and Nevada have approved a test of the new light color.

  • Rentlar@lemmy.caEnglish
    9·
    11 months ago

    It’s a genuine thought, but it is that as it stands, autopilot may behave erratically and it would be good to inform drivers both in front and to the rear. Emergency collision avoidance brake systems are already known to trigger at random

    For something that requires far more complex decisions a special colour light in the rear can alert other drivers that various maneuvers could be taken automatically, such as a decision to change into your lane, normally or in an emergency.

    • Flying Squid@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      11 months ago

      I guess I’m not seeing it as being all that different from emergency collision avoidance systems in cars with drivers in terms of drivers behind them. I hate to be dense about this, but I’m just not seeing why any of those maneuvers would make a difference to the driver behind the car driving autonomously if it was being driven by a human or not. Don’t you have to take the same actions regardless? I’m not suggesting Mercedes not do it. I’m sure people much smarter than me have figured out why this is important.

      Maybe all cars with collision avoidance need to have these lights too?

      • Rentlar@lemmy.caEnglish
        2·
        11 months ago

        Some indicator of automated collision avoidance (a small “AEB-equipped” sticker) would make sense for that.

        The light would be to indicate the self-driving mode is active.

    • abhibeckert@lemmy.worldEnglish
      23·
      11 months ago

      Emergency collision avoidance brake systems are already known to trigger at random

      So? They also brake suddenly when a kid runs out onto the road in front of them. Anyone following should have enough of a space cushion to get hard on the brakes and avoid hitting them. Or at least avoid hitting them very hard.

      If you plough into them at speed, you’ll push the stopped car forwards and kill the kid.

      • Rentlar@lemmy.caEnglish
        1·
        11 months ago

        I mean I agree with what you’re saying, but the light is a helpful reminder to keep a safe distance away. I think AEB should have some sort of notice as well on the back of the car be it a logo, or “AEB-equipped” etc. Make it a size that if you can read it you’re too close.