General Motors announced it has launched a consumer education program called “Hands Free, Eyes On” to encourage consumer confidence in the use of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) as part of GM’s larger commitment to the safe deployment of these technologies. To avoid concern and confusion about the benefits of ADAS as they become more widely available, GM intends to give consumers more information so that they’re informed, excited and confident in the technology.
“We know that to help achieve our vision of zero crashes, we must increase the adoption of ADAS and proactively highlight the benefits they offer,” said Scott Miller, GM vice president, Software Defined Vehicle and Operating System. “To increase usage, we must help drivers understand how currently available technologies like Super Cruise work and the responsibility drivers have when using ADAS features. We want customers to be assured of what we are doing to safely deploy these technologies.”
The “Hands Free, Eyes On” program is designed to explain the current state of ADAS — from active safety to hands-free features like Super Cruise — available to customers, all of which require the driver’s constant attention to the road, versus fully autonomous driving which does not require driver intervention. With a hands-free enabled vehicle like one equipped with Super Cruise, the driver is responsible for the vehicle’s operation. That means their eyes need to be on the road at all times, even when their hands are free.
GM is committed to the safe deployment of current and future ADAS systems and believes part of this is helping consumers to understand their capabilities and how to properly use them.
Core elements of safe deployment include:
- A commitment to testing and validation
- Integrating a comprehensive set of sensor technologies
- Ensuring technologies have driver attention systems
- Keeping GM’s maps updated by monitoring roads and working with the public sector
- Educating consumers and other stakeholders
GM will share free ADAS educational resources and best practices on GM.com and GM social channels. Content will be continuously updated.
