Tech companies involved in developing autonomous technology — Intel, Baidu, Continental, Aptiv, Infineon, and HERE — have partnered with auto manufacturers Daimler, Audi, Volkswagen, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and BMW to produce the “Safety First for Automated Driving” (SaFAD) white paper, released today.

According to a press announcement by Intel, the paper aims to provide a framework for the design, development, verification, and validation of safe automated passenger vehicles (AVs). 

In a separate press statement, Daimler writes: “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 12 guiding princicples are as follows: 

• 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

The full white paper can be accessed here.