Autonomous driving cannot replace human responsibility
Published: 14 May 2026
Published: 14 May 2026
In recent years, intelligent driving technology has advanced rapidly, and many vehicles are now equipped with driver-assistance systems. This technology has brought convenience to people and enhanced the driving experience. However, whether intelligent driving is used correctly and in accordance with regulations affects not only the development of the automotive industry but also public transportation safety. Drivers must understand that they themselves must always be the ones who take true responsibility for following the rules and safeguarding lives. Recently, the media reported on two traffic violations related to intelligent driving. In the first incident, a driver activated the driver-assistance feature on a highway, then took both hands off the steering wheel to eat, apply makeup, and even wave their hands to the music at times. The second incident was even more dangerous: a car suddenly stopped in the fast lane of a highway, forcing the vehicles behind to swerve to avoid a collision. A subsequent investigation by traffic police revealed that the driver had fallen asleep after activating the driver-assistance feature due to fatigue. Ultimately, both drivers faced legal penalties. These two incidents share a common factor: the drivers’ over-reliance on intelligent driving systems. Nowadays, many people believe that simply activating the driver-assistance functions allows them to completely relax and that there is no need to drive with due care. In reality, however, serious traffic accidents caused by the misuse of intelligent driving systems are far from uncommon; some have even resulted in fatalities, serving as a bitter lesson. If drivers hand over all responsibility to the system and rely on luck to avoid danger, they are not only being irresponsible towards themselves but are also endangering the safety of others. At present, China has established clear regulations regarding intelligent driving. According to the ‘Classification of Automated Driving’ issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, all intelligent driving systems in mass-produced vehicles currently on the market fall under Level 2, or ‘Partial Automation’. This means that the system can only provide assistance; drivers must continue to monitor road conditions at all times and be ready to take control of the vehicle at any moment. In other words, current intelligent driving technology still has many limitations; it is not yet a form of ‘autonomous driving’ capable of fully replacing human intervention. From a legal perspective, the driver remains the primary person responsible for the vehicle. In February this year, the Supreme People’s Court issued a series of guiding cases on road traffic safety, explicitly stating that in-vehicle driver-assistance systems cannot replace the driver as the actual person in control. Even if the driver has activated the driver-assistance function, they remain the person actually performing the driving tasks and must bear responsibility for ensuring road safety. Consequently, drivers must never rely entirely on the system under any circumstances; they must remain particularly vigilant in high-risk environments such as motorways. However, the reality is that many drivers do not fully understand intelligent driving systems. Some even begin using these features without having mastered the most basic safety knowledge. This phenomenon stems partly from a lack of personal safety awareness, and partly from the marketing practices of certain car manufacturers. Some manufacturers repeatedly emphasise concepts such as ‘autonomous driving’ and ‘hands-free driving’ in their advertisements, leading consumers to mistakenly believe that cars are already capable of fully autonomous operation. Furthermore, some manufacturers fail to provide users with adequate safety training after delivering the vehicles. In response to these issues, the relevant authorities have already begun to take action. In April this year, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology finalised the national standard entitled ‘Safety Requirements for Combined Driver Assistance Systems in Intelligent Connected Vehicles’ and invited public comments. The new standard introduces a number of stricter safety requirements, such as enhancing driver training, monitoring the driver’s condition, and restricting the use of the system in hazardous situations. The aim of these provisions is to reduce instances of drivers misusing intelligent driving systems. It is believed that once these standards are formally implemented, they will not only clarify the scope of responsibility for vehicle manufacturers but also help drivers to improve their safety awareness. The development of intelligent driving technology represents progress, but even the most advanced technology cannot fully replace human judgement and responsibility. Automakers must shoulder their social responsibilities by strictly adhering to national standards to improve their products and promotional practices; drivers, too, must recognise that the system is merely an aid, and that they remain ultimately responsible for their own safety. Only by keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel can we truly respect the rules and cherish life.