this post was submitted on 20 Dec 2023
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Mercedes-Benz debuts turquoise exterior lights to indicate the car is self-driving | A visual indicator for other drivers::undefined

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

And I live in California. Of course we're going to help rich people avoid all consequences of their actions. Because paying attention to where your 1 ton metal missile is going is too much to ask. But only if you can afford the turquoise lights.

[–] [email protected] 14 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I don't think I understand how adding safety indicators to elevate awareness of self driving vehicles helps rich people avoid all consequence.

As a poor person, I'd like to know if a car I'm driving by is self driving.

[–] [email protected] -2 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Mercedes is a luxury brand. And as the article states, in California and Nevada drivers will get a legal pass on distracted driving if the system and lights are on.

So the drivers of these luxury cars are no longer responsible for what the car does.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 10 months ago (1 children)

The article says they are allowed to test the new indicators in those States, not that they get a legal pass...

In California, the permit will let Mercedes-Benz trial turquoise lights on test vehicles for two years. In Nevada, the automaker can start adding the feature to 2026 year production vehicles

Do you think it's a better scenario for less awareness of self driving cars? If self driving is part of the future, this seems like a reasonable step imo.

[–] [email protected] -3 points 10 months ago (2 children)

Go read the article again then. There's a whole section about distracted driving.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (1 children)

Ive read those 7 paragraphs a couple times now, and I don't see anything about getting a legal pass. Maybe you could quote it for me?

I have missed things due to ads covering things up on mobile on the past.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (2 children)

As a Level 3 system, the driver is permitted to take their hands off the wheel, their feet off the pedals, and divert their attention away from the road. Most other driving systems require you to keep your hands on the wheel and pay attention. With Drive Pilot engaged, users are free to browse the Internet or watch videos on the vehicle's central display.

To be fair I've had that happen with ads too and it's infuriating.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Oh my bad. I somehow thought you were implying the light was going to give them the pass... You are talking about self driving cars in general though.

That's been a thing though, would you like that progress to stop? I guess /fuckcars is a real popular movement online so we can have different opinions on that.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

No, this is the first level 3 system. With Teslas, for example, you are still required to act as a driver in every way except actually providing input. You have to have your hands on the wheel and be ready to brake at any time.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I understand. Self driving is making progression, and I can understand the concern.

Like I said, I thought you were saying the indicator was the issue, not the self driving. I don't know the facts behind self driving, and it's definitely above my paygrade, so I have no room to give opinions. I think progression is cool though, if it's proven safe

To be fair though, you did skip the limitations.

that can only be used in limited situations and in certain (geo-fenced) areas, like in heavy traffic on select highways at speeds of 40 MPH or less. Drive Pilot is also limited to daytime use and during clear weather, and cannot be used in construction zones. Furthermore, the driver is not allowed to fall asleep or leave the driver's seat

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

I did, because even at 40 mph a car is deadly.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

That isn't at all what you were saying buddy

[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago (1 children)

If the state says you can look away from the road. How are they going to prosecute you for looking away from the road?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago

Yeah that's a good point

[–] [email protected] -1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

The article states no such thing.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

As a Level 3 system, the driver is permitted to take their hands off the wheel, their feet off the pedals, and divert their attention away from the road. Most other driving systems require you to keep your hands on the wheel and pay attention. With Drive Pilot engaged, users are free to browse the Internet or watch videos on the vehicle's central display.

Come on dude.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

That describes how the system works. Does not describe liability implications. Which I am really interested in learning about, so if you know of some other source that goes into detail around liability after a crash while this system is engaged, please share it.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

If the government specifically allows you to look away from the road, how can they then prosecute you for looking away from the road?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

Exactly the question I have, and it remains unanswered.