The Safety of Autonomous Vehicles: Risks and Realities
The idea of autonomous vehicles navigating our roads is fascinating, but also brings up a host of safety concerns. As someone who has experienced a car's autopilot feature, I can attest to the uncanny ability of the system to steer itself. However, there are still noticeable imperfections, such as slightly hunting within the lane. Until autonomous vehicles are fully proven, my trust in them is still building. I'm a luddite at heart, preferring to hold the steering wheel and having direct control.
Current Limitations
No matter how impressive, autonomous vehicles are not without their limitations. It would be ideal to have separate road systems exclusively for autonomous vehicles to function optimally. This, however, would negate many of the apparent advantages, such as reducing traffic congestion and improving road efficiency. Despite these drawbacks, when compared to the frequently incompetent and unpredictable human drivers, I don't find anything about autonomous vehicles particularly alarming.
Comparing Human Drivers
Human drivers come with a myriad of issues, from lack of experience to age-related impairments. Teenage drivers, for instance, are often poorly prepared, lacking the understanding of traffic rules and the ability to safely navigate even short distances. Some barely obtain their license, and some would fail simply by making one extra mistake. Traffic and written driving tests typically allow a certain margin of errors, which should not be overlooked. This soft requirement for passing suggests a level of ambiguity and potential danger on our roads.
When it comes to actual driving, human drivers are known to frequently break laws, speed, tailgate, and rarely pay attention to the road. Add to this the use of electronic devices while driving, combined with driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or fatigue. These factors contribute to a far more perilous driving environment than what is expected from autonomous vehicles. In the United States, preliminary tests have shown that self-driving cars are significantly safer than human drivers. In one notable case, the accident involving a self-driving car was attributed to a pedestrian's fault, and the car was not even in self-driving mode due to a disabled critical safety system.
Collaborative Safety
The effectiveness of autonomous vehicles hinges on the behavior of other road users. Autonomous vehicles often struggle to make judgments based on the unpredictable actions of human drivers who disregard laws. For instance, when changing lanes, an autonomous vehicle may pause due to the aggressive behavior of other drivers who illegally overtake in front of it. This can lead to unnecessary delays and make roads even more congested.
To establish a safer driving environment, it is crucial for all road users to follow the rules and avoid dangerous behaviors. Autonomous vehicles are a step in the right direction, but they require comprehensive regulations and a safer environment from all other drivers to truly excel. By creating stricter laws and fostering a culture of safe driving, we can mitigate many of the risks associated with both human and autonomous vehicles, ultimately making our roads a safer place for everyone.