Self-driving, also known as autonomous, vehicles have started to gain momentum in the car industry. Manufacturers such as Volvo have begun unveiling prototypes and companies such as Tesla have already released models with an autopilot feature. Although this technology is still in its infancy, the possibility of self-driving cars becoming mainstream is very real. Drivers in the Oklahoma City area may not have their hands on a self-driving car just yet, but with recent advancements, it may happen sooner than you think.
Now with all of this technology drivers may be wondering about the safety of self-driving cars.
Will they prevent car accidents? Will they cause more of them? These are all questions that need to be answered before manufacturers mass produce autonomous vehicles. In this guide, we have decided to explore self-driving cars and find out if they can help prevent accidents.
Recent Data
Studies conducted by consulting firm Mckinsey & Co has found that self-driving vehicles can decrease car accidents by 90 percent and save the health and insurance industries billions of dollars in damages. That sounds like music to every car owner’s ears, but when will these changes take place? Experts say it will take auto companies and manufacturers about 15 years to perfect self-driving technology before vehicles can be mass produced.
Mass car manufacturers are already testing parts of the autopilot feature by incorporating driver assist technology into everyday cars such as the Honda Civic and Dodge Durango. Driver assist technology uses sensors, radar and cameras to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings to help drivers operate the vehicle safely.
Examples of this technology includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane departure prevention
- Lane keep assist
- Blind spot detection
Tesla’s Autopilot Feature
The Tesla is a luxury electric powered vehicle that has been built with an autopilot feature. Tesla drivers have already started utilizing the feature on major highways and roadways across the U.S. However, the technology does have its pitfalls. Recently, a driver was killed when the autopilot feature failed to brake the car to avoid hitting a tractor trailer. Tesla tried to remedy the problem by releasing radar-reliant technology. The technology uses radar sensors to create a 3D rendering of the objects surrounding the vehicle.
Google’s Self Driving Car Project
Google has also created its own fleet of self-driving cars that they have been testing rigorously since its inception in 2009. Of the one million times the car has been driven, it has only been involved in 16 accidents, all of which have been caused by other vehicles.
The Future of Self-Driving Cars
These statistics definitely make the case for self-driving cars alot easier, but it doesn’t eliminate all concerns. Autonomous vehicles still have slight issues with navigating terrible road conditions and roadways not listed on the map. Experts agree that more testing has to be done before these vehicles can safely operate on the road for the masses.
Companies such as Uber have already suggested implementing self-driving cars much to the dismay of its customers. It seems that the general public isn’t quite yet ready for the transportation of the future to operate itself.
Oklahoma City Car Accident Lawyers
No matter how safe or technologically advanced we become, car accidents can and do happen. Oklahoma City car accident lawyers at Parrish DeVaughn Law Firm can help you in your time of need. Whether you’ve been affected by a self-driving car or a human-operated vehicle, we’re here to help. Call us today for your free consultation.
