Continental has called for a market-based adaptation of the legal framework for automated driving.

“The Continental Mobility Study 2013 has shown that motorists worldwide want automated driving on the freeway. Their needs match up perfectly with the development possibilities in the upcoming years. However, the necessary adjustments to the traffic regulatory framework must not fail to take into account the connection with these market dynamics,” said Continental head of research for automotive electronics, Christian Senger, during the ‘Zulieferer Innovativ 2014’ Congress at BMW Welt on 7 July in Munich.

“Initial success in this regard was seen with the recent modification of the Vienna Convention, which established the legal foundations for partially automated driving. But we are still a long way away from highly automated driving from a traffic regulatory perspective,” said Senger, commenting on the current legal situation. According to Senger, legislators should address the basic policy decisions now so that motorists will be able to make use of highly automated driving functions post 2020.

“Legislation should continue to play a role in the timing, paving the way toward fewer accidents, enhanced energy efficiency, and greater driving comfort. This would bring it in line with the needs of motorists worldwide,” said Senger, summing up his argument.