Will Self-Driving Cars Replace Human Error?

Published on: 07 November 2016 Last Updated on: 19 August 2019

The public is understandably skeptical when it comes to the introduction of new technologies. This has been a constant in virtually every innovation since the dawn of civilization. People were skeptical about the railroads when they first became a staple of American life in the 1830s. People were skeptical about aviation when it became a major part of travel in the early part of the 20th century.

The automobile itself was viewed with a healthy dose of scorn and hesitation when it first drove onto the scene. Today, we find ourselves in a similar situation with regard to the emergence of self-driving vehicles. Just like with these other technologies, some of our skepticism is caused by the novelty of the technology and our unfamiliarity with it. However, just as it was with the transportation modes listed above, many of our reservations are well-founded and stem from shortcomings that the technology has yet to overcome.

Still, the bigger question that we find ourselves asking is: Will we be safer in self-driving vehicles than we would be in vehicles that have a human driver?

Human Error Causes Vehicle Crashes

The vast majority of crashes on our roads are caused by human error. Some estimates put this figure at around 90 percent. We experience this firsthand every single day on our roads. Consider how many crashes are caused by reckless driving, distraction, fatigue, and intoxication. In each of these cases, it is a person’s mistake that leads to a vehicle crash.

People are far from perfect, and we make mistakes regularly. When these mistakes occur on our roads, the consequences can be devastating. One mistake made at 55 miles per hour can cause fatalities, serious injuries and incredible amounts of property damage. In that sense, the less we can be subject to lapses in judgment or negligent driving, the safer we will be.

How Do Self-Driving Cars Stack Up Against People?

Thus far, there is not enough information available to make a completely accurate comparison of automated vehicles and human drivers. Think about how many miles people have driven since the launch of the automobile and how many miles have been traveled by self-driving vehicles. This disparity leaves us with an incomplete picture. However, self-driving automobiles have been around long enough for us to get a clearer idea of how safe these vehicles could be and what dangers they could present if manufacturers don’t do their due diligence.

Last year, Google touted the fact that its self-driving vehicles had traveled well over a million miles and been involved in only 17 crashes, all but one of which were found to be caused by another driver’s error. Meanwhile, Tesla, another company that has a big stake in the self-driving automobile industry, has come under fire from critics about its aggressive implementation of automated technology after the death of a driver in Florida in May of 2016. In September, the New York Times reported a similar incident involving a Tesla automobile that occurred in China earlier this year. The criticism from safety advocates is largely over the company’s willingness to make available technology that has not been thoroughly tested. While these were reportedly the first driver deaths in over 130 million miles of travel, it still raises a debate about the degree to which automation will be deemed safe for drivers.

Concerns About Semi-Autonomous Vehicles

Part of the skepticism about automated technology stems from automobiles that will be only partially operated by a vehicle and handed over to a human driver in case of emergency. In certain types of automated vehicles, such as vehicles equipped with Tesla’s Autopilot function, drivers must still be aware enough to take over driving duties in certain situations. This might prove to be a difficult task for drivers, and it could even require a certain level of proficiency or training on the part of a vehicle’s operator.

It should also be noted that we already have some forms of automation in many of our vehicles. Automated braking has been used in vehicles for several years and has likely helped reduce the occurrence of many crashes. There is great promise for more automation, but there are still many unanswered questions.

Accountability Will Always Be a Central Issue

Just as it is in today’s human-operated vehicles, crashes in tomorrow’s self-driving cars will stem from some sort of error. Today, it is usually the drivers who are held accountable for their mistakes, but as self-driving automobiles become a bigger presence on our roads, that accountability will be shifted to other entities. Rather than human error is to blame, it might be the case that a particular crash will be deemed to be the fault of a vehicle manufacturer, or a software manufacturer. For the safety of all drivers, accountability will be a very important issue, one that will need to be fought for and pursued by the institutions providing oversight and regulation, and by drivers and citizens themselves.

The Self-Driving Revolution is Beginning

People might be reluctant to embrace self-driving technology, but it will be thrust upon them whether they are ready for it or not. In Pittsburgh, for example, Uber has launched self-driving vehicles in a pilot program. Uber’s chief rival in the ridesharing world, Lyft, has said that our roads will be filled with automated vehicles in five years, and the company is taking its own steps toward releasing self-driving cars.

Several companies are locked in a fight to be first when it comes to self-driving vehicles. This competition will no doubt lead to the rapid advancement of the technology. As consumers, we have to hope that the release of the technology is not hasty and that road safety is the top priority.

The Future of Our Roads

People are debating when, and not if, self-driving vehicles will become the norm. It’s only a matter of time before more vehicles will be completely or at least mostly operated by automated systems. We know from the history of transportation technology that we can expect certain things. We can expect resistance, adoption, innovation, and missteps in the implementation of the technology. We can also expect that one day soon we will be riding in, or sharing our roads with, self-driving cars.

The Law Offices of James C. DeZao is a personal injury law firm in New Jersey. Contact them by visiting their website or calling them at (973) 808-8900.

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How Many Wheels Are In The World? – Are You Excited To Know?

Have you ever wondered how many wheels are there in the world? The first answer that will come to the fore is that there are actually plenty of wheels, which are infinite in number. However, in this article, we will look at this interesting question a bit differently and find out how many wheels are in the world in particular. With the Automotive Industry growing in leaps and bounds every year, the number of wheels depends upon the large number of vehicles being produced. Estimations have speculated that the number of wheels could be anywhere around 37 billion globally. Furthermore, in this article, you will also know why this question is there in the first place and what is the motivation behind finding out how many wheels exist in the world. You will also know about the fact why many people want to know how many wheels are there in the world estimate, as well as the views of the people. How Many Wheels Are In The World Total? – General Background Many users on the internet and social media (Twitter in particular) organized a popular poll, which was mainly about whether there are more doors or more wheels in the world. Hence, there were two different opinions from different users, and the reasons that people came up with were also interesting and, in some cases, extremely funny. On the one hand, many people were of the opinion that there are more doors in the world since there are many buildings and a single building has several doors. On the other hand, others claimed that since there are too many vehicles in the world, the number of wheels outnumbers the doors. Many people from around the world participated in the poll, and many people enjoyed the answers on the poll. The poll was featured in many countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, Ireland, and many more. The person who started this poll is Ryan Nixon. According to him, he found similar questions in Quora, from where he took the idea. According to Ryan, the question he found on Quora is, “If you could have one superpower, what would it be?” To answer the question, Ryan replied, “The ability to know the answer to any question I wanted.” This is how he found the idea of asking the question to people on the internet. Although it may sound strange to you, this is actually how the poll started and got popular in no time. More Doors Or More Wheels – What About The Post? Image Source: static.tweaktown.com Ryan Nixon posted the poll on March 5, 2022, on his Twitter account with the Twitter ID @NewYorkNixon. In the poll, he posted, “My mates and I are having the STUPIDEST debate...And I am here for it. Do you think there are more doors or wheels in the world?” As of February 22, 2023, we found that there are 223,347 votes. The final results are already out. The poll results were close, as 53.6% of people voted for more wheels, while 46.4% of people voted for more doors. There are 4823 retweets of the post and 19,200 likes on the post. Furthermore, 4414 people quoted the tweet. From the moment Ryan posted the tweet, it went viral in no time. Within three days, the post was one of the most viewed on the internet. Many experts are of the opinion that the reason behind the post being popular is that it was truly unique, and different people have different opinions about the post. Additionally, the post got popular quite fast on Facebook, Reddit, and other social platforms as well. What People Are Saying About The Doors Vs. Wheel Post? Image Source: media13.s-nbcnews.com You must have already understood that the post was unique and got popular due to it being interesting and funny at the same time. This is because hardly any people think about the number of doors and wheels in their own houses and cars, let alone the world. The funny part about the post is the way how many people came together to vote on the poll and have a debate in the comment section of the post. The question was, although simple, it was intriguing as well. For example, one person even commented, “Who is voting doors??? There’s wheels on everything. I have wheels on my garment rack, makeup storage holder, rubbish bin. It’s definitely wheels.” In return, Ryan Nixon replied, “You have more wheels in your house than doors? Think about cupboards, the pantry etc. Think about how many doors there would be in something like an apartment building or hotel...” Such conversations and opinions made the post extremely interesting. Some of the other comments that added fuel to the fire are: “Very solidly wheels. All cars have 4 wheels but 2-4 doors. An average home might have 6-10 doors but it also has 3 suitcases with 6-12 wheels. A collection of toy cars might have 400 wheels.” “How many suitcases with wheels on have you got in your house? I’ve got eight. That’s 32 wheels just there.” “Doors. Four door cars and trucks nullify themselves. All ships have doors, no wheels. All buildings have doors, no wheels. Doors.” “Doors by far. Most things with wheels have at least a 2:1 door-wheel ratio, and then you have all the other doors in the world.” “In my household there are 29 doors including fridge, cupboards, washing machine, tumble dryer and car. Got 4 wheels on my car and the hamster has a wheel, can’t think of any more wheels I’m saying doors." "Using the ideology that wheels are only for vehicles and doors only count if they can be walked through. Think it’s quite clear that doors win. Let me know if I’ve missed anything major or something needs explaining.” "Think it’s quite clear that doors win. Let me know if I’ve missed anything major or if something needs explaining.” "Doors. Four door cars and trucks nullify themselves. All ships have doors, no wheels. All buildings have doors, no wheels. Doors." "Easily doors There's double the number of homes in the world than there are other types of buildings too, eg shops, businesses etc Then on top of that, most vehicles have many doors too," "Must be wheel. Wheels is one of the earliest human inventions. Not only in vehicles, but also in rollerblades, suitcases, chairs, etc. Wheels also made each day more than doors." "Just to confuse this debate do you mean EVER or NOW? as this very much alters my answer. Also, is a broken door or wheel still a door or wheel? I need some rules here." "You have ruined my life, I've lost sleep over this." "This has sent me into a spiral and I can't escape it." What Is The Exact Answer To The Question? In every way, it is very hard to find out the exact number of wheels or doors. If, for example, you think about only cars, you have to consider it has four wheels and at least two doors. There are wheels in other vehicles as well. Furthermore, there are so many doors in houses, furniture, etc. On the other hand, there are also wheels in toys like Hot Wheels and Legos. Realistically speaking, the numbers are just too much for a person to count, as they are infinite. Hence, we will not be able to give you even a close idea. How Many Lego Wheels Are There In The World? Image Source: m.media-amazon.com In answer to how many Lego wheels there are in the world, you will need to estimate the number of car toys Lego produces. In a year, almost 17 billion toy cars are produced. Lego has sold approximately 6 billion wheels until now. As per a 2010 report, we found that Lego produces 318 million tires every year. Despite all these data, it is still hard to find out the number of wheels in this case too. Summing Up It is really hard to find how many wheels are in the world or even how many doors there are. Who knows! There can be billions of wheels and doors in the world. However, the best part about the question is that it is interesting and unique, and the post from where the question is inspired was a head-turner. Moreover, the post was funny, and the results were even funnier. Read Also: How Long Can You Go Without An Oil Change? What Type Of Vehicle Is Ideal For Off-Road Driving? How To Choose The Best Wheels And Tires For Your Vehicle?

6 Reasons Why Vehicles are now Safer Than Ever

As the decade's progress, it seems like cars are getting more and more lightweight. And although it’s tempting to equate weight with durability, lighter does not necessarily mean more fragile. 1. Metals have changed : When you think of old cars, you probably think about hard, durable steel. Those old cars were built a lot more like tanks than the modern vehicle. And while it’s true that the cars of a bygone era were made of durable steel, the steel of today is even stronger. In the early part of this decade, the most steel used for automobiles clocked in at 500 megapascals. The steel of today measures around 1,500 megapascals. To create the complex shapes we’re seeing in modern vehicles, it’s stamped hot and then cooled quickly. Advances in steel and the addition of other materials, such as aluminum, carbon fiber, and magnesium, help to dissipate and redirect crash forces. Stronger materials and crumple zones make cars of today stronger than ever. 2. Crash tests are more advanced : Do you remember the crash test dummies of the ’80s? Well, let’s say those guys have been through the wringer. As safety features have increased, so have the crash tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began crash testing cars in 1979. At the start, they were basically ramming cars into barriers. Today, they have far more advanced methods that include virtual simulations and auto prototypes. More advanced crash tests can find flaws in a vehicle’s safety features, so the manufacturer can continue making improvements before they bring the car to market. 3. Crash avoidance is a thing : New technological advancements allow the vehicle to take over in cases where the driver may not react quickly enough. Lane-keep assist, automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring all help to keep the car out of harm’s way. In a modern car, if you fall asleep at the wheel, the car may keep you on track. This can avoid countless accidents. 4. Belts and airbags are better : Are you old enough to remember when cars only had lap belts? Much like the rest of the car, seat belts and airbags have continued to improve throughout the years. Now, three-point belts are standard and there are airbags for every spot in your car. There are side-curtain airbags, knee bags, and even inflating seatbelts that can spring into action depending on the intensity of the crash. 5. Crumple zones improve safety : The first car produced with crumple zones was the Mercedes 220. Upon impact, the vehicle would crumple in a way so as to absorb the energy of the crash. Today, all cars feature crumple zones to improve safety. The crumple zone is an area that’s likely to experience impact, and it crumples to lessen the impact felt throughout the vehicle. Crumple zones are created with a mix of different metals, including steel and softer metals like aluminum. If you’re in an accident, your car may experience a lot of exterior damage, but you are more likely to walk away from the crash. 6. Cars can talk to each other : Auto manufacturers are testing out technologies that will allow vehicles to communicate with each other. Imagine a scenario where your car can relay speed and braking information to the car behind you. You see a squirrel and slam on the brakes unexpectedly. In this exact moment, the person behind you takes a long sip of their coffee. They didn’t see your brake lights, but no worries because your car sent the message to their car. Their car automatically puts on the brakes to avoid an accident. Although this is future technology, it’s a great example of how cars are evolving to become safer. In addition to all the technological advancements, superior warranty conditions on modern cars are helping us keep them better maintained. So, if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, you’re in luck. Cars have never been safer than they are today. Read Also : Choosing The Right Anti-Theft Devices For Your Car In Houston TX How Do Self-Driving Cars Really Compare To Human Drivers In Terms Of Safety? Important Things To Transport During A Relocation

10 Ways to Pimp Out Your Ride

How to Take Your Vehicle to the Next Level As any car aficionado will tell you, the base model is only the first step to owning a truly pimped-out ride. If you’re currently rolling in a luxury brand like a BMW, Mercedes, or Lexus – that’s a great start – but there are ways you can take your ride to the next level. Consult the following ten tips for ways to elevate your ride, from interior to exterior. Tip #1 – Window Tinting Not only does tinting your windows keep the temperature in your car down, provide valuable privacy, and reduce glare, it also looks insanely cool. Car tinted windows add an air of mystery to any vehicle, and they’re also one of the more affordable customizations that you can make – typically running under $300 for the entire job. Car window tinting in San Diego typically only takes a few hours. Tip #2 – Stereo A great stereo is a must-have for any tricked-out vehicle, and there are so many options these days that it’s easy to find something with all the features you could ever want. When it comes to stereo shopping, make sure to get something that’s got the aesthetic you like and voice features that keep you as hands-free as possible. Many stereos these days have Apple Carplay or Android equivalent so you can have your text messages read to you while you’re driving. Tip #3 – Sound A cool stereo is only as good as the sound system it’s pumping out of. Remember, factory speakers aren’t usually built to last because they’re assembled out of weaker materials, such as cardboard. Invest in a quality system so you can make sure that your car sounds as good as it looks. Tip #4 – Wheels Although the top-of-the-line brands are going to run you a pretty penny, there’s no better investment to pimping out your ride than a brand-new set of wheels (aka rims). The best part about wheel shopping these days is the customization options on the design and finish are nearly infinite. You can really personalize your ride with the right set. Tip #5 - Lighting Don’t let nightfall keep people from noticing your ride. With custom lighting packages that are installed on the body and undercarriage of the car, you can get supremely cool lighting effects in several different colors. They’re the perfect touch for when you slip into dark mode. Tip #6 – Seat Covers/Custom Seating Run-of-the-mill factory seating doesn’t quite cut it if you’re looking to pimp out your ride. Fortunately, there are several options now for custom seating and seat covers so that your interior can reflect your personal style. Look into racing seats if you’re a driver that appreciates speed as much as style. Tip #7 – Spoiler This is the cherry on top of any car that you’re trying to make a little sportier, and it’s not just for looks. A spoiler is going to give your car better traction by improving the airflow around the car, therefore creating more downforce. It’s a cool addition that also has a useful function. Tip #8 – Steering Wheel When it comes to personalized luxury vehicle options that you know you’ll use every drive, then you’ll want to get your hands on a custom steering wheel. You’ll not only have full control over the shape, size, and style of the wheel, you can even pick out the type of fabric that you want. Tip #9 – Paint Job & Exterior Finish Nothing makes a car pop more than a high-quality paint job and finish, especially if you can invest in a non-factory color to distinguish yourself from the thousands of models like yours. And when you’ve landed on a shade of paint that speaks to you, don’t forget to top it off with a protective film to ensure it doesn’t get chipped or damaged. Tip #10 – Camera Systems Pimping out your ride doesn’t stop at how the world sees your car. It also means giving your car the ability to see. Yes, we’re talking about camera systems, which can automatically make a car more fun (and safer) to drive because you’ve got an extra set of eyes looking out for you. These come in handy if you’re not great with parallel parking on the street. Prioritize Then Buy: We’ve covered ten of the most popular options for pimping out your ride, but there are limitless ways to customize your vehicle. What we recommend is prioritizing your top three or four and investing from the top down. This way you know the front-end money of what you’re buying is going towards the mods that are important to your car’s overall look and feel. Read Also: Prepping Your Vehicle For Winter Weather Driving A Comprehensive Guide on How to Charge Your Car Battery

Will Self-Driving Cars Replace Human Error?

Human Error Causes Vehicle Crashes

How Do Self-Driving Cars Stack Up Against People?

Concerns About Semi-Autonomous Vehicles

Accountability Will Always Be a Central Issue

The Self-Driving Revolution is Beginning

The Future of Our Roads

How To Shop For A Car With Your Teen Driver?

Racing games and accidents; is there a link?

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Related

How Many Wheels Are In The World? – Are You Excited To Know?

6 Reasons Why Vehicles are now Safer Than Ever

10 Ways to Pimp Out Your Ride

Will Self-Driving Cars Replace Human Error?

Human Error Causes Vehicle Crashes

How Do Self-Driving Cars Stack Up Against People?

Concerns About Semi-Autonomous Vehicles

Accountability Will Always Be a Central Issue

The Self-Driving Revolution is Beginning

The Future of Our Roads

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How To Shop For A Car With Your Teen Driver?

Racing games and accidents; is there a link?

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

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