Safety

Euro NCAP’s Technical Manager of Assisted Driving Systems, Adriano Palao, has criticised Tesla’s autopilot software, going so far as to say the suite is “misleading consumers about the system’s capabilities”.The fresh retort of Tesla’s autonomous driving technology comes as Euro NCAP detailed the differences in a variety of similar systems on the market, noting “some systems are more user-centric and safe than others”.Performance testing for the Model S - which is no longer sold in Australia - had the safety body determining that it performed poorly awarding it just 30 per cent for its Assistance Competence score.The Assistance Competence score ranks autonomous features for their performance, clarity of information, how they communicate capability limitations, driver monitoring, and driver collaboration. It is distinguished from the Safety Backup score, which ranks how the systems avoid a collision in a variety of situations, as well as when a sensor is blocked or the driver is unresponsive.The body noted it was jarring the Model S scored an Excellent 94 per cent for its Safety Backup score, but just 30 per cent for Assistance Competence.Euro NCAP said not only does Tesla name the system Autopilot and suggest full automation in its promotional material, but also noted the system’s steering input was resistant to driver attempts to override it, and upon doing so, the entire system automatically disengages, “limiting its usefulness”.The body also noted issues with the centrally-mounted touchscreen, in that the driver had to take their eyes off the road to view alerts.Euro NCAP ultimately said: “Tesla is misleading consumers about their autopilot system’s capabilities simply through its name and marketing, which could have potential safety implications.”Tesla was not the only company marketed on its safety credentials who came under fire in the latest round of autonomous system testing. Even Volvo’s new EX30 crossover was in the firing line, with the safety body earmarking similar concerns about its autonomous driving tech.The EX30 performed better than the Tesla in the Assistance Competence score, landing at 62 per cent, although was marked down for similar reasons to the Model S, it recorded a score less than the Tesla for its Safety Backup, at 72 per cent.Both cars, alongside the MG ZS, were awarded an overall Moderate rating for their active safety suites. Other cars considered in the round of testing included the Kia EV3, Porsche Macan, and Toyota bZ4X, all of which received a Very Good overall score, while the Mazda CX-80 and Xpeng G9 recorded a Good overall rating.Euro NCAP’s latest round of autonomous driving feature testing comes as the technology proliferates across a much wider spectrum of the market. Many brands now spruik some level of autonomous driving through an advanced cruise control suite, although as Euro NCAP notes, not all of these systems are created equal, and just ticking feature boxes does not always result in a safer system.In addition to more thorough testing of autonomous driving systems, Euro NCAP will also include standards for automakers to include physical buttons and dials from 2026, labelling the overuse of touchscreens an “industry-wide problem, raising the risk of distraction crashes”.Euro NCAP said the new protocols will encourage manufacturers to use separate, physical controls for basic functions in an intuitive manner, limiting eyes off-road time and therefore promoting safer driving.Under the new protocols, cars will be marked down by not including physical switches for indicators, hazard lights, the horn, operating windscreen wipers, and activating the SOS function.

What Do Seatbelt Cameras Look Like?Seatbelt detection cameras are advanced traffic enforcement tools that use high-resolution imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) to identify drivers and front-seat passengers not wearing seatbelts properly.These cameras capture images from elevated angles to monitor compliance with seatbelt laws. The AI system analyses these images to detect violations, such as not wearing a seatbelt or wearing it incorrectly. For example, under the arm rather than across the chest. If a potential offence is detected, the image is reviewed by a human before a fine is issued.What Are Seatbelt Detection Cameras and What Are They For?These cameras use AI to scan vehicles and spot anyone not wearing their seatbelt or wearing it incorrectly. Their job is simple: reduce injuries and deaths on the road by enforcing seatbelt laws. They also double as mobile phone detection units, picking up drivers using their phones illegally.If you’re caught, it’s not instant. A flagged image is reviewed by a human before a fine or demerit points are issued.That depends on the state. NSW keeps locations under wraps. Victoria is more transparent, with camera locations published monthly. Queensland gives updates via the Department of Transport. WA's system is newer, but info is starting to trickle out about where trailers are set up.If you’re asking because you want to dodge them, it’s smarter to assume they’re everywhere and just do the right thing.All states employ AI technology to analyse images for seatbelt compliance, but the specific systems and deployment of cameras may differ.What do mobile phone and seat belt detection camera look like in NSW? They’re mostly fixed installations on overpasses and poles.The detection technology has been integrated with mobile phone detection systems. They capture drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts correctly including if it’s slung under the arm.Fines and demerits began to apply from July 2024. In NSW, a driver or passenger not wearing a properly adjusted and fastened seatbelt can face a $410 fine and three demerit points.If a driver is caught with two passengers not wearing a seatbelt, then the fine rises to $818 but the demerit points remain at three.Seatbelt camera locations are not publicly disclosed.Mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras in Vic are found on mobile trailers or roadside poles. They use AI to scan for phone use and seatbelt compliance. Unlike NSW, locations of these cameras are updated monthly on relevant government sites, like this one.There is a $395 fine for not wearing a seatbelt correctly, and three demerit points.In Qld what do phone and seatbelt cameras look like? They can be a fixed camera, where they are fitted to existing infrastructure and operate 24 hours, seven days a week. Or they can be portable cameras, which are used at random locations in both urban and regional areas for shorter periods.Their locations are based on where road crash injuries or fatalities have occurred where using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt were contributing factors.Phone and seatbelt cameras detect violations from 10 to 20 metres away.There is a steep fine of up to $1161 and four demerit points if you or your front passenger aren't wearing a seatbelt properly. Yikes. Queensland government wants you to know where the cameras are, to assist with awareness and, hopefully, prevention. You can find current locations here.Cameras are mounted on mobile trailers and typically parked by the roadside. They use the same infrared and AI tech as other states but cameras are newer and still rolling out. Camera locations are not always disclosed, but currently (in 2025) six mobile safety camera trailers have been deployed across the state.As a general summary, your seatbelt buckle must be clicked in and your top seatbelt sash has to be properly positioned across your body. You can't be wearing seatbelt under arm.Passenger not wearing seatbelt? You’re responsible too, and it will cost you a fine. Seatbelt demerit points add up fast, especially in Qld and NSW.Seatbelt detection cameras are here to stay, and they’re getting smarter. Despite motorists' grumbles, they're not just about fines - they're about saving lives.Wherever you are in Australia, the message is the same, buckle up properly, don’t touch your phone and you won’t need to worry about where the cameras are.

BMW Australia is currently recalling 2947 examples of the E9x-generation 3 Series as they are fitted with defective Takata airbags.

Toyota Australia has recalled 831 examples of its Tundra pick up built between 2022 and 2024 over concerns the reverse lights may not function correctly.A recall notice published by Australia’s vehicle recall regulator reads: “Due to a manufacturing defect, moisture may enter the internal circuit board of the reverse lamps over time. As a result, the reverse lamps may not illuminate as intended. Also, the rear-view camera may become activated whilst driving.”In extreme cases, the notice said: “If the traffic behind is unable to identify if the vehicle is reversing, it could increase the risk of an accident causing serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users.”Once parts become available, owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by Toyota to book an appointment to have this issue rectified, free of charge.The issue is impacting all Tundras sold globally, with more than 440,000 cars in the US – where the Tundra is built – also recalled.Australians have bought 769 examples of the Toyota Tundra since it was first officially launched in Australia in November 2024, with all models presumed to be affected. The remaining impacted vehicles are likely to be individual imports purchased prior to its official release.

Gone are the days when digital gauge clusters and sweeping panoramic touchscreens were reserved for the owners of prestigious European cars like a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or a BMW 7 Series.

What is HDC fault in a 2020 Haval H2? My car has been showing me this fault, should I be worried?

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has confirmed the Cupra Tavascan misses out on a five-star safety rating in Australia.

Someone hit my parked car and left Australia

Chinese newcomer brand JAC has spilled on the real cost of obtaining a five-star ANCAP safety rating in Australia, confiding that the brand had to invest millions of dollars to score top marks under 2024's testing protocols.

Mitsubishi has recalled 7489 units of its popular petrol Outlander Exceed and Exceed Tourer variants, built between 2022 and 2023, over concerns the steering wheel’s touch sensors may be defective.A recall notice published by the Australian government’s vehicle recall regulator reads: “Due to a manufacturing defect, the steering wheel touch sensors may be defective.“As a result, the vehicle may not accurately detect the driver's hands on the steering wheel and the MI-PILOT system may not operate as intended.”In extreme cases, the notice said: “If the MI-PILOT system does not operate as intended it could increase the risk of an accident, causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users.”Owners of affected vehicles should immediately contact their preferred Mitsubishi Motors Australia dealer to have the steering wheel replaced, free of charge.Owners can check their VIN number here.Mitsubishi sold 45,253 Outlanders last year, including 6975 plug-in hybrid versions, making it the fifth best-selling car in the country and Australia’s second-best-selling SUV behind the Toyota RAV4.As of February 2025, Mitsubishi has sold 4475 Outlanders, an increase of 4.4 per cent compared to the same period last year.