Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Science and Technology of China has released the "Ethical Guidelines for the Research and Development of Driving Automation Technology," emphasizing a human-centered approach in the design of autonomous driving technology, addressing ethical risks, and setting a regulatory framework for the industry [1][3]. Summary by Relevant Sections Driving Automation Levels - Driving automation is categorized from L0 to L5, ranging from emergency assistance to fully autonomous driving. Currently, China's L2 level (basic functions like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping) is installed in over 50% of new cars, leading globally in adoption rates [1]. Future Development and Competition - The period leading up to 2030 is crucial for cultivating a smart driving culture and popularizing lower-level intelligent driving features. The competition for L3 and higher levels of automation is intensifying, with significant implications for future market positioning [1]. Safety and Technical Challenges - Despite advancements, safety concerns persist, including hardware failures in sensors and software vulnerabilities that could lead to incorrect decision-making in complex scenarios, posing significant risks to driving safety [1][2]. Ethical and Legal Considerations - Ethical dilemmas arise in unavoidable collision scenarios, raising questions about prioritizing the safety of passengers versus pedestrians. The guidelines aim to clarify responsibilities among drivers, systems, manufacturers, and platforms as automation progresses [3]. Guidelines and Principles - The guidelines prioritize life safety and propose four fundamental principles: human-centeredness, safety first, fairness, and informed consent. They also outline five general requirements, including compliance with laws, risk control, and privacy protection [3][4]. Implementation and Industry Impact - The guidelines emphasize practical measures for risk prevention and responsibility assignment, categorizing driving automation into three types and specifying ethical norms for public communication about the technology [4]. The release signifies a shift from a focus on rapid technological advancement to a more ethical approach in the autonomous driving industry [4].

Core Viewpoint - A study indicates that if autonomous vehicles can respond to emergencies more like humans, it could significantly reduce injuries in traffic accidents and enhance safety [1][2]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences highlights that employing a "social sensitivity" strategy in autonomous vehicles can better protect vulnerable groups such as cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists [1]. - The research shows that integrating human-like decision-making into autonomous systems can lower overall risk for all road users by 26.3% and reduce risk for vulnerable users by 22.9% compared to using the EthicalPlanner alone [2]. - In collision scenarios, the model can decrease overall harm to road participants by 17.6%, with a significant 51.7% reduction in harm to vulnerable groups, and an 8.3% decrease in injuries to vehicle occupants [2]. Group 2: Ethical Considerations - The ethical implications of autonomous driving have garnered attention, with calls for programming that ensures fair risk distribution and protection of basic rights for vulnerable road users [3]. - The research addresses the critical question of how to construct behavior models for autonomous vehicles that are both safe and socially sensitive, providing a viable path for navigating complex traffic situations [3].