--- title: "Lexus’ Driver Monitoring Is the Only One That Works Right, Says IIHS" description: "In the IIHS' new ratings for driver monitoring systems, Lexus' \"Teammate\" system was the only one to receive an \"Acceptable\" grade." date: "2024-03-12" modified: "2024-03-12" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/lexus-driver-monitoring-is-the-only-one-that-works-right-says-iihs" categories: - "Lexus News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Lexus" - "LS" - "luxury" --- # Lexus’ Driver Monitoring Is the Only One That Works Right, Says IIHS ![]() *Lexus* More than a dozen automakers have their own advanced driver assistance systems that help steer, accelerate, and slow the vehicle on certain roads, within certain parameters. Many of those systems feature additional driver monitoring systems to ensure drivers aren't sleeping or fooling around while ADAS is in use. However, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, only [Lexus]()' driver monitoring works well enough. The IIHS tested 14 monitoring systems from nine different car companies. Of those, only the Lexus Teammate system—examined on the Lexus LS—earned an Acceptable rating. Two were rated Marginal, while the other 11 got Poor ratings. ![]() ![]() “We evaluated partial automation systems from BMW, Ford, General Motors, Genesis, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Tesla and Volvo,” said IIHS President David Harkey. “Most of them don’t include adequate measures to prevent misuse and keep drivers from losing focus on what’s happening on the road.” The issues varied between systems. Some failed to recognize when a driver wasn't watching the road, some weren't aggressive enough in warning distracted drivers, and some didn't warn distracted drivers at all. There were even those that let the driver unbuckle their seatbelt with ADAS in action. When drivers ignore such distraction warnings while using ADAS, the IIHS feels certain emergency procedures are necessary to prevent crashes. For instance, if a driver is unresponsive to warnings for 35 seconds, cars should initiate a slowdown. If that slowdown procedure is ignored even further, the system should alert emergency personnel and prevent the ADAS from being restarted. The idea is that if drivers keep ignoring warnings, they're either hurt, in distress, or just flat-out misusing the system. However, of all 14 systems, only GM's Super Cruise had all five of the IIHS' desired procedures ![]() **General Motors** Drivers should also be more involved with ADAS while in use. For example, the IIHS says that all lane changes should be initiated by the driver, even though [Super Cruise ]()and Tesla's [Autopilot]() will do it on their own. Those same two systems are also the only ones that turn off lane-centering after the driver makes steering inputs or corrections, which the IIHS says can dissuade drivers from making manual inputs so the system doesn't shut off. “Some drivers may feel that partial automation makes long drives easier, but there is little evidence it makes driving safer,” said Harkey. “As many high-profile crashes have illustrated, it can introduce new risks when systems lack the appropriate safeguards.” Lexus' Teammate system not only has the best name (these systems are exactly that—teammates, not autopilots), it seems to work the best overall. It isn't the best at everything but it isn't the worst at anything, either. However, Harkey does provide a silver lining: Since none of these systems are *good* overall and all have their unique advantages, they can be fixed with simple software updates. Until then, though, Lexus is the only brand that monitors its drivers well enough. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()