A method of controlling a power steering system including at least one course control function, whereby a position setpoint is determined automatically according to a reference course that a vehicle is to be made to follow, then a motor setpoint applied to an assistance motor is adjusted accordingly, the method including a safety function which is distinct from the course control function and meets a higher ASIL safety level according to ISO-26262 standard, said safety function including a diagnostics subfunction according to which a control parameter such as the angular position of the steering wheel, the driver torque applied to the steering wheel, or the rate at which the steering wheel is turned is monitored in order to detect the onset of an alert situation considered to be hazardous, then an intervention subfunction according to which, if an alert situation is detected, the course control function is neutralized.
