One technical "solution" to this might be to have the computer ask (voice) questions on the road - such as are we approaching a right or left bend, or was that a red car we overtook. These could measure attention to the road and reaction speed. It is also quite easy to see that being put in place for normal driven vehicles - one could imagine a insurance requirement to prove attention of the driver during the journey.
It will of course totally ruin the illusion of being driven smoothly by robot but I think that should be canned asap.
but I agree - the company is also liable for failing to have processes to stop the inattentive behaviour. IF you were on duty watching your phone, and no manager spotted this, or took away the phone they are just as liable.
I think the technical solution has merit. It doesn't need to be voice, presumably you could rig something up on a steering wheel with buttons to press to record every time they go past an intersection or something. Something to force them to watch the road and keep their hands in the right area. You're right though, that does dent the image of unattended self-driving but we've already demonstrated that isn't what this was.
People are condemning this person for being on their phone (and fair enough), but if I am sitting in a comfortable vehicle with nothing to do / read then I will fall asleep soon enough. I think this is quite common.
It will of course totally ruin the illusion of being driven smoothly by robot but I think that should be canned asap.
but I agree - the company is also liable for failing to have processes to stop the inattentive behaviour. IF you were on duty watching your phone, and no manager spotted this, or took away the phone they are just as liable.