Autosystem Cited in Plane Crash is a Cautionary Tale for Car Makers

A Cautionary Tale

Two items caught our attention in the last few days (Dec., 2013). The first was a report on the crash in July, 2013 of Asiana Airlines flight 214 in San Francisco, which laid blame on pilot confusion on the workings of the autothrottle system.

The second was an article from Automotive News on X-(drive-)by-wire, or electronic control of every automotive driving system. It is connected to the first story because what follows X-by-wire is autonomous control; cars that drive themselves.

The Automotive News article laments the fact that back-up systems remain in place, due primarily to drivers being unwilling to put full faith and trust in the electronic systems. The push to move to X-by-wire is to save weight and thus fuel. The back-up systems keep the weight in place.

Whether it is a plane flying itself or a car driving itself, there is simply no room for error, or confusion. The San Francisco plane crash proves this to be true.

This started out as a straightforward piece on the coming driverless car, but question after question come to mind and are nearly overwhelming:

• Given the experience of each and every one of us with electronic “glitches”, will we ever be able to truly trust an electronically controlled car?
• If a highly trained pilot can be confused by an autosystem, do average drivers stand a chance with upcoming automotive systems?
• Will a car allow a driver to take control at any time: that is, will a car be allowed to override a driver’s action?
• What system will be used by the car to communicate with its driver and occupants?
• Will cars from competing manufacturers be able to talk to each other?
• Will a centralized control system akin to air traffic control ultimately be needed?

And on and on and on, leaving this whole discussion feeling entirely incomplete.

In regards to back-up systems, it should be remembered that other airplane accidents have resulted in the addition of redundant and back-up systems.

We mean only to advise caution going forward. This entire site is devoted to how drivers are presented with new systems and information. Going forward, it is difficult to see, first, how electronics can be fully trusted and second, how autonomous systems can be introduced without a good deal of driver education.

How has driver education worked so far?

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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the  use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.