With the rise of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) becoming more capable when handling lane keeping (self steering) and the braking and acceleration of vehicles so equipped, the UK government is about to set rules to narrowly legalize self-driving vehicles on roads. And it believes such technology would help ease urban congestion and improve road safety by reducing human error.

But we're not talking self-driving vehicles like those you're probably thinking of. Instead, the UK Department for Transport says"Automated Lane Keeping System (ALKS) could legally be defined as self-driving, as long as they receive GB type approval and that there is no evidence to challenge the vehicle's ability to self-drive." Under new rules, the system should work in a single lane and be able to control the vehicle's position under 37 mph (60 km/h). When self-driving mode is active, the driver is not required to monitor the road and goes hands-free from steering. And when the system deems human input is necessary, the driver has to respond within 10 seconds (no sleeping). If not, the system should turn on hazard lights and slow the vehicle down to a stop.

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