Balancing safety, technology and regulation: The strategic importance of MRMs in automated driving

As automation advances, MRMs have become essential for ensuring a safe transition when a driver fails to intervene, balancing regulatory, technical and real-world challenges.

As automated driving become more prevalent, such vehicles are increasingly capable of controlling both longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics. However, these systems still operate in defined conditions and rely on the driver to remain attentive and ready to take over when needed — either immediately or after a period of time communicated in advance. In scenarios where the driver becomes unresponsive or unable to regain control, the system cannot continue operating indefinitely. Disengaging the system immediately in such situations may not always be the safest option, particularly if the vehicle is navigating a curve at high speed or surrounded by dense traffic, so many automakers have implemented Minimum Risk Maneuvers (MRMs) as a failsafe measure in their automated driving system (ADS) design. This controlled action is designed to minimize risk and prevent accidents by bringing the vehicle to a relatively safe state without driver intervention.