Autonomous vehicle safety operators debunk misconceptions that they ‘sit there and do nothing’

Safety drivers behind autonomous vehicles (AVs) in Singapore are far from idle, despite the common perception that they merely supervise. Ms Sarah Ahmad, a safety driver for Grab, explained that her role involves more than just sitting still. She must be vigilant, constantly monitoring the vehicle's performance and surroundings to intervene if necessary.

Ms Ahmad, 45, emphasized that her job is anything but simple, likening it to the responsibilities of a driving instructor with the vehicle serving as the student. She must be on higher alert compared to regular driving, as the AV requires her supervision at all times, ready to take over at any moment.

Chinese autonomous-driving technology firms WeRide and Pony.ai partnered with Grab and ComfortDelGro, respectively, to launch AV trials in Punggol. Both companies started with testing and community trials before gradually opening rides to the public. Grab plans to launch an on-demand AV service in Punggol soon, expanding its fleet from 10 to 50 vehicles in the next six months.

The AV service coverage within Punggol is also set to broaden. A legislative proposal aims to extend the regulatory sandbox for AV deployments on roads until December 31, 2028, ensuring uninterrupted ongoing deployments until new, more comprehensive legislation is enacted.

Ms Sarah's journey into the AV industry began three years ago when she was working as a private-hire vehicle driver for Grab. Initially unaware of AVs in Singapore, she expressed interest in new technologies and agreed to join the company's AV initiative. Training involved learning to drive a left-hand drive car, a significant adjustment as AVs in Singapore are imported from China.

The most challenging aspect was learning to relinquish control and remain alert, as the car operates on "auto mode" and requires her to be prepared to take over at any time. Mr Sherman Seng, another safety driver for ComfortDelGro, faced similar challenges during his training. He joined the AV service Zig Driverless in March, drawn by the nascent AV industry.

His training included both manual and auto driving in Singapore, followed by an intensive period in Guangzhou, China, where he faced unfamiliar road conditions and tested his reflexes and decision-making skills against pedestrians, motorcycles, and high-speed traffic. Both safety drivers highlighted the importance of their roles in ensuring the safety and smooth operation of autonomous vehicles in Singapore.