Mercedes Introduces New Light Color: Blue for Autonomous Driving
Mercedes-Benz introduces a groundbreaking addition to their self-driving cars: turquoise blue lights This new color signifies when the vehicle is operating autonomously, enhancing safety and awareness on the road
In America, most cars typically have three exterior light colors: white for headlights and reverse lights, red for brake and rear lights, and amber for turn signals. However, Mercedes-Benz has recently been granted permission to introduce a fourth color: turquoise blue lights to indicate when a Mercedes vehicle is operating in autonomous mode. This new light color has been approved in California and Nevada, the only states where Mercedes' "conditionally autonomous" Drive Pilot technology is currently legalized.
Mercedes Drive Pilot can be activated on certain major highways when the vehicles are moving at speeds of 40 miles per hour or less. In these circumstances, the driver is able to release their feet from the pedals, let go of the steering wheel and, uniquely, take their eyes off the road.
Mercedes-Benz has developed special turquoise colored Automated Driving Marker Lights, that will identify when Drive Pilot is engaged
Courtesy Mercedes-Benz Group
Most other driving assistance systems, such as Teslas Full Self Driving and General Motors Super Cruise, require the driver to remain aware of their surroundings. With Mercedes Drive Pilot, the driver can take their eyes off the road until the system alerts them to take control, allowing for activities like surfing the Internet or playing games on the cars center screen. The light blue color was chosen to be distinctive and easily recognizable, ensuring there is no confusion with other car lights or emergency vehicle colors.
Mercedes has become the first automaker to receive approval for the use of the specific blue shade recommended by the Society of Automotive Engineers to signify autonomous vehicle operation. The approved lights will be located at the back and front of the vehicle, around the taillights and headlights.
Mercedes-Benz has developed special turquoise colored Automated Driving Marker Lights, that will identify when Drive Pilot is engaged
Courtesy Mercedes-Benz Group
Mercedes believes that the turquoise lights are essential for alerting other drivers and law enforcement that the vehicle is in fully automated control. This helps to prevent others from assuming the driver is behaving recklessly when they see them looking away from the road.
The Mercedes Drive Pilot system will be accessible in Nevada and California on Mercedes S-class and EQS models from early 2024. Notably, the technology will only function on highways in California and Nevada.
