Results are clear, no technology stands out as completely reliable, camera and radar systems, widely used today, show very variable performance depending on conditions. Some remain effective in fog, others react too late, or even stop working.
Systems relying solely on cameras, like that of the Tesla Model Y, generally continue to alert the driver. This provides reaction time but does not always prevent impact, especially in dense fog.
Lidar technology, often touted as the most advanced, is also not a miracle solution. In thick fog, water particles disrupt the propagation of light, greatly reducing its effectiveness.
However, some vehicles stand out with specific behaviors. The Mercedes CLA shows good performance in fog, but showed an unexpected failure when faced with a pedestrian in heavy rain. The Subaru Impreza excels in clear communication with the driver, providing a signal when sensors are not working optimally. In contrast, the BYD Seal shows weaker results and does not provide information on the limits of its systems.
The most concerning finding remains the same for all, dense fog remains the major weak point. In these conditions, almost all tested vehicles failed to correctly handle situations.
Given these results, Touring recalls an essential principle, these systems are not autopilots. They are a valuable aid to compensate for some human errors, but do not in any way replace the driver’s attention.
The conclusion is clear. Technology is advancing but still imperfect. In challenging conditions like rain or fog, human vigilance remains the last line of defense.
