By Laetitia Zeitouny | Staff Writer

“While 70% of Americans are afraid of self-driving cars, it’s worth noting that a staggering 94% of all traffic accidents stem from human error.” A pivotal question is presented: Can autonomous vehicles ultimately enhance road safety and overcome public concerns?

Self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles, represent a revolutionary leap in transportation technology. They redefine the way we perceive mobility and reshape the future of travel. These vehicles, equipped with advanced sensors, artificial intelligence, and cutting-edge software, are designed to navigate roads, interpret surroundings, and make real-time decisions without human intervention. This innovation promises not just convenience but also safety, efficiency, and the potential to transform urban landscapes, and the very nature of transportation itself. 

In fact, some states in the US are even implementing this new technology. In California, on August 10t 2023, the California Utilities Commission voted to permit Google’s autonomous Waymo and GM’s autonomous Cruise cars to start charging people for taxi rides across the city. Hence, self-driving cars serving as taxis were put into effect. As the autonomous vehicle movement develops, it’s imperative to weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks of these vehicles.

One significant advantage of self-driving cars is their potential to limit human error, thus reducing the probability of accidents. These vehicles meticulously adhere to traffic rules, prioritizing the safety of both passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. Additionally, the promise of reduced traffic congestion is a compelling advantage, with autonomous vehicles expected to lead to lower accident rates, fewer traffic jams, and decreased reliance on emergency services. This will result in potential benefits such as increased road safety and decreased fuel consumption.

Another benefit associated with autonomous vehicles is their potential for faster travel. The theoretical elimination of speed limits could lead to faster commutes, optimized school bus routes, efficient cargo transport, and rapid medical response times. Furthermore, self-driving cars have the potential for optimizing driving patterns, reducing idling time, and selecting the most fuel-efficient routes, ultimately contributing to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. This is an added benefit to the ongoing fight against climate change.

Additionally, with humans no longer required to focus on driving whether using autonomous cars for personal use or taxi services, travel time can be utilized more productively. The time can be spent from reading to working and even engaging in new skills and activities.

Even though self-driving vehicles seem to be completely beneficial, world-changing technology, a notable disadvantage is the increasing technological failure associated with them. Despite their heavy reliance on technology, instances of confusion and system errors have been reported. They can lead to intersection blockages, minor collisions, and disruptions to emergency response efforts. Moreover, concerns about unpredictable traffic patterns arise, as both human drivers and self-driving cars have been shown to engage in unpredictable behavior. Individuals may disregard rules when in a rush, perhaps running a red light out of impatience, while driverless cars are confused by traffic cones, gravel roads, pedestrians, cyclists, and animals. In one infamous case, an autonomous vehicle failed to engage the brakes, resulting in a pedestrian fatality, as the human driver was too distracted to intervene. 

This is where legal and ethical dilemmas are posed. Self-driving vehicles face real-time moral decisions, such as determining priorities between occupants and pedestrians during unavoidable accidents. Additionally, determining liability in the event of an autonomous vehicle accident is complex, and corresponding legal issues still need to be adequately addressed.

Finally, cyber security risks present a critical concern, as autonomous vehicles are vulnerable to cyber hacking and attacks. Without adequate cyber security measures, these vehicles could be susceptible to catastrophic accidents and breaches of personal data. 

In conclusion, the debate around self-driving cars extends beyond technological advancements; it delves into ethical, legal, and societal implications. This technology is recently facing increased scrutiny. The founder of Cruise, owned by General Motors, resigned after the company lost permission to operate following safety incidents. A judge found “reasonable evidence” that Elon Musk and other executives at Tesla knew that the company’s self-driving technology was defective but allowed the cars to be driven anyway. However, it is known that this technology works due to its implementation in California. It was reported that autonomous vehicles will be on UK roads as soon as 2026 which will improve road safety, provide an economic opportunity for Britain, and grant personal freedom to those unable to drive. Only through robust measures and collaborative efforts can we navigate the path toward embracing this innovation while ensuring safety, equity, and trust in autonomous transportation.

References:

https://www.cybertalk.org/2023/09/01/autonomous-vehicles-pros-and-cons-a-comprehensive-analysis/

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/dec/27/self-driving-cars-could-be-on-uk-roads-by-2026-says-transport-secretary