Driver Assistance ≠ Self-Driving: A Fatal Accident in Shanghai Caused by a Driver Bending Over to Pick Up a Bottle
Although intelligent driving technology is developing rapidly, it is important to note that all mass-produced technologies currently available are driver assistance systems, not self-driving systems. Recently, the Pudong Procuratorate in Shanghai announced a case: a driver, relying blindly on the driver assistance function while speeding, bent over to pick up a drink bottle and failed to take over the vehicle in time, resulting in a serious traffic accident.
CCTV announced the details of the case today. At around 10:00 am on April 13, 2025, a traffic accident occurred on a section of Longdong Avenue in Pudong New District, Shanghai, heading from east to west.
The vehicle involved was a black SUV. Dashcam footage shows the car initially traveling quickly in the innermost lane before suddenly crashing directly into a road maintenance vehicle parked ahead.
Two workers were removing warning cones from the rear of the maintenance vehicle and were knocked to the ground with no time to react.
After the accident, the driver, Dong, called 120 for emergency medical assistance. Upon arrival, the paramedics transported both injured workers to the hospital, where one of them died despite rescue efforts on the same day.
The investigation revealed that the vehicle’s steering, braking, and driver assistance functions were all normal, ruling out drunk or drugged driving by Dong.
At the time of the accident, Dong was driving at 83 kilometers per hour, exceeding the maximum speed limit indicated by the speed limit sign. He had activated the driver assistance function but failed to pay attention to the road ahead, ultimately causing the accident.
Police determined that Dong was primarily responsible for the accident due to over-reliance on driver assistance, distracted driving, and speeding; the maintenance company was secondarily responsible for failing to set up safety protection as required.
The prosecution solemnly reminds the public that all driver assistance systems currently on the market are Level 2, which are only auxiliary functions and cannot replace manual control. If the driver is distracted, releases the steering wheel, or takes their eyes off the road, fatal accidents are likely to occur, and the driver always bears the legal responsibility.