“Safety First for Automated Driving” (SaFAD).

Along with Aptiv, Audi, Baidu, BMW, Continental, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, HERE, Infineon, Intel and Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz has published a white paper entitled Safety First for Automated Driving. As well as covering all relevant safety methods for Level 3/4 SAE automated driving, the paper introduces a traceability system, which extends from the primary goal – being safer than the average driver – right down to the individual safety objectives of the various components.

The foundation of the “Safety First for Automated Driving” white paper are its 12 Guiding Principles:

• Safe Operation: How the system reacts if critical components become unstable or cease functioning
• Safety Layer: The system recognizing its limits and minimizes risk in returning control to the driver
• Operational Design Domain (ODD): The operating conditions in which the system is designed to function
• Behavior in Traffic: The system behavior needs to be easy to understand and predictable for surrounding road users
• User Responsibility: The user’s state must be suitable for a takeover procedure
• Vehicle-Initiated Handover: If the driver does not comply with a takeover request, the automated driving system must perform a maneuver to minimize risk.
• Driver-Initiated Handover: Activating and deactivating the automated driving system shall require an explicit driver’s intent
• Effects of Automation: Overall evaluation of system safety shall take automation effects on the driver into account
• Safety Assessment: Verification and validation shall be used to ensure that the safety goals are met
• Data Recording: When an event or incident is recognized, automated vehicles shall record relevant data in a manner that complies with applicable privacy laws
• Security: Steps shall be taken to protect the automated driving system from security threats
• Passive Safety: Vehicle layout shall accommodate changes to crash scenarios brought about by vehicle automation