Intern Driver Misuses Hands-Free Driving, Causes Highway Rear-End Collision

On February 1, a rear-end collision occurred on the Zhangji Expressway in Jiangxi Province. Probationary driver Pei was operating a borrowed vehicle when he took both hands off the steering wheel while attempting to use the vehicle's "intelligent driving" (smart driving) assistance feature. The system automatically slowed down and stopped because it failed to detect hand contact on the wheel. A large truck behind him couldn't swerve in time and collided with the car, causing damage to both vehicles. Fortunately, no one was injured. Investigations revealed that the involved vehicle belonged to a relative of Pei’s friend and had been purchased only two months prior. Traffic police determined that Pei was fully responsible for the accident and emphasized that current "intelligent driving" systems are merely driver assistance features and do not constitute full autonomous driving. Drivers must thoroughly understand the system’s limitations, keep their hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road at all times, and be ready to take immediate control of the vehicle. Operating a vehicle with hands off the wheel and eyes off the road is strictly prohibited.