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“AXA wants to lead the insurance industry in being an enabler of automated vehicles (AVs) and ensuring the technology is rolled out safely.”
Those were the words of the major insurer in a new position paper tackling the future of driving on UK roads. AXA, which contributed to the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act – now an Act of Parliament after receiving Royal Assent in July 2018 – and is a partner of five government-backed projects related to AVs, believes more work needs to be done.
In the area of the legal and regulatory framework, for instance, the insurer is of the view that there should be clear definitions and little room for interpretation when it comes to the responsibilities of users of the technology. This clarity extends to any changes to the road safety regime currently in effect.
“As part of our engagement, AXA recently submitted to the Law Commission review of the regulatory framework of AVs,” noted the firm. “We believe that it is crucial that the responsibilities of the ‘user-in-charge’ and all stakeholders are clearly defined, that the development of AVs is accompanied by consumer education, and that focus should be placed on data.”
In terms of data, AXA said the type of information being collected and its uses should be transparent.
It noted further: “For the safe implementation of AVs, wholesale changes to the current road safety regime must be clear and concise. Any new safety assurance scheme should be responsible for regulating consumer and marketing materials, market surveillance, and roadworthiness.
“Although other agencies are in place that can be utilised to carry out some of these functions, to improve accountability, one organisation should have clear responsibility for this area. Ultimately, we firmly believe that consumer education of the equipment and the legal responsibilities is paramount for the safe deployment of AVs.”
AXA also supports compulsory training for motorists as well as updating the current accident investigation process. It added that AVs should follow the same road rules as their non-automated counterparts.
Conditional driving automation is forecast to hit UK roads in late 2019; high driving automation in 2021/2022; and full driving automation, 2025.
