Concerns Grow as Self-Driving Cars Approach Reality

As self-driving cars become more technologically advanced and closer to widespread use, public concern is rising. Issues surrounding safety, ethical implications, and potential job losses in the transportation sector are at the forefront of discussions. Experts highlight the need for regulations and public education to address these fears and ensure a smooth transition to an autonomous driving future that benefits society as a whole.

While earlier surveys on self-driving cars (now discontinued) indicated that people were becoming more comfortable with the idea of relinquishing control, a recent survey by the American Automobile Association suggests that Americans may be developing reservations as the reality of self-driving cars, particularly robotaxis, approaches. This survey focused solely on drivers, which could explain the more negative findings. Furthermore, high-profile accidents involving driver assistance systems and fully autonomous vehicles, particularly in the U.S., may have influenced public sentiment.

Approximately two-thirds of U.S. drivers over 18 expressed fear regarding self-driving vehicles, an increase from 54 percent in 2021. Meanwhile, trust in these vehicles dropped to just 9 percent, down from 14 percent three years ago.

One significant incident involving fully self-driving cars occurred in October 2023, when a Cruise robotaxi was involved in an accident in San Francisco, prompting the GM subsidiary to suspend operations in six U.S. cities. In this case, another vehicle struck a woman, who was then thrown into the path of the Cruise robotaxi, which failed to properly assess the situation and dragged her for 20 feet (6 meters) without stopping. Although the victim survived with severe injuries, a fatal accident in 2018 involving an Uber-Volvo prototype in Tempe, Arizona, highlighted the dangers of self-driving technology. In that instance, the pedestrian, crossing a multi-lane road without a crosswalk, was struck while a safety driver was present but not paying attention, according to a court ruling.

Tesla's driver assistance system, which does not provide a fully autonomous driving experience, was linked to over 700 crashes and 17 fatalities from 2019 to mid-2023, as reported by a Washington Post investigation. Distinguishing whether these incidents were primarily caused by drivers misusing the system or faults in the technology can be challenging. However, the aftermath of these crashes often reveals that human drivers could have reacted more effectively, such as braking after hitting someone. Conversely, automated systems do avoid many of the errors commonly associated with human drivers, like those resulting from drowsiness, intoxication, or speeding.

Researchers have discovered that self-driving cars generally perform better in routine scenarios, yet they may struggle with certain maneuvers, such as turning, which humans find relatively straightforward. Humans also tend to respond more effectively to completely new and unexpected situations that autonomous vehicles may not be equipped to handle.

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Source: Statista‍