How do autonomous vehicles handle unexpected obstacles or conditions?
Instruction: Describe the process an autonomous vehicle follows when it encounters an unexpected situation, such as road construction or debris.
Updated
Example Answer
The system should assess an unexpected object, update its predictions and choose a feasible response within its operating limits. Slowing, braking or replanning may reduce risk, but pulling over is not always possible or appropriate. The defined fallback depends on road layout, surrounding traffic, remaining capabilities and the operating domain. I would test uncertainty and failures explicitly instead of claim every unknown condition has a safe escape maneuver.
Make it your own
Illustrative fallback cases: no shoulder, blocked lane, poor visibility and loss of a critical sensor. State the required behavior and evidence for each, without claiming a universal maneuver.
Why this works
A fallback strategy needs context and physical feasibility. Follow-up: which assumptions become invalid if steering remains available but braking is degraded?
Sources: NHTSA ADS safety guidance.