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Australian Road Research BoardDecember 12, 20171 min read

Eastlink leads the way for hands-free driving on Victorian roads

When Melbourne’s EastLink tunnels were closed for scheduled maintenance overnight on Saturday 18 November, EastLink conducted the first demonstration of hands-free driving through freeway tunnels, using the lane keep assist function of a Honda Civic VTi-LX.

Hands-free driving is currently not allowed on Victorian roads. Motorists should always drive with at least one hand on the steering wheel at all times. The demonstration was able to include hands-free driving using lane keep assist as it was conducted through the EastLink tunnels when closed to traffic in preparation for scheduled tunnel maintenance activities, and under controlled conditions.

The demonstration was planned to help Victorian motorists gain a better understanding of lane keep assist and other driver assistance functions.

“EastLink wants to help motorists gain a better understanding of the latest driver assistance functions, and how they will evolve to make self-driving cars possible in the future.” said Doug Spencer-Roy, EastLink corporate affairs and marketing manager.

“With driver assistance functions such as lane keep assist expected to improve road safety significantly, we hope that the demonstration encourages motorists to consider the availability of these new vehicle capabilities when choosing their next car,” he went on to say.

The demonstration was broadcast in a television news report with senior reporter, Dean Felton of 7 News Melbourne.

Click here to read the full article and to watch the video.

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