The Pros and Cons of Self Driving Car Technology
The Pros and Cons of Self Driving Car Technology – New research conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety suggests that drivers are not entirely aware of the limitations regarding new driver-less car technology. Automobiles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are becoming more and more commonplace in newly released vehicles, including features such as lane keeping assist, forward collision warnings, and blind spot monitoring. While drivers are sure to appreciate the value behind these safety features, there are also many precautions that should be taken into consideration while operating such a high-tech vehicle.
Misunderstanding ADAS Technology
Researchers with the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety discovered that almost 80 percent of drivers using a blind spot monitoring system did not know of the system’s limitations or falsely assumed that it would accurately detect cars driving at high speeds, as well as pedestrians and bicyclists. More precisely, the technology only detects oncoming vehicles that are moving in a driver’s blind spot. Currently, most systems cannot reliably detect cyclists or pedestrians. Confusion about the proper functioning of ADAS technology can result in misuse and high reliance on such systems, which could lead to a deadly auto accident.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s executive director Dr. David Yang stated that ADAS technology has the potential to prevent up to 40 percent of all traffic accidents when properly used. It could also reduce traffic accident fatalities by up to 30 percent. After the research results were released, he said that he believes there is much work to do with informing and educating motorists about this groundbreaking technology being offered in newer vehicles. He stressed an emphasis on educating drivers about the current limitations of ADAS.
How ADAS Technology Could Enhance Road Safety
In some ways, a computer system could work out to be the ideal motorist. Over 90 percent of car accidents can be attributed to various forms of human error, while computers use complex algorithms and data to determine the most effective driving decisions. Many types of accidents would be avoidable if a computer system was operating the wheel, namely drunk driving and distracted driving. No opportunities would allow for a machine to be drunk, as well as being distracted by eating, changing the radio, or cell phone use.
Autonomous vehicles have also been proven in research studies to have the potential to reduce traffic jams. Due to their ability called platooning, driver-less cars can significantly decrease road congestion during heavy traffic. Tons of accidents take place around rush hour traffic, yet a study by the National Science Foundation stated that having just one self-driving vehicle on the road can influence the traffic flow of 20 human-controlled cars in proximity.
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The Pros and Cons of Self Driving Car Technology: AutoAccident.com
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