‘Eyes-Off Driving’ Is Coming, and We’re so Not Ready

Why It Matters

Level 3 eyes‑off technology could accelerate autonomous‑vehicle adoption and change driver behavior, yet unclear liability and regulatory limits risk costly lawsuits and could impede market rollout.

Summary

General Motors announced it will launch a Level 3 “eyes‑off” driving system on the Cadillac Escalade IQ by 2028, letting drivers remove both hands and eyes from the road on certain U.S. highways. The move follows similar Level 3 efforts by Ford, Stellantis, Honda and Mercedes‑Benz, but most jurisdictions still restrict such use, leaving regulatory approval uncertain. Liability is murky: drivers must stay ready to retake control, and recent case law often holds humans responsible, while manufacturers claim responsibility only when the system is active. The article underscores technical challenges of driver re‑engagement and the legal ambiguity surrounding crash responsibility.