How Do Self-Driving Cars Really Compare To Human Drivers

Do Self-Driving Cars

Although a lot of comparisons have been made between self-driving vehicles and human drivers, not all of those comparisons have been fair or accurate.

One study found that distracted driving accounted for approximately 4 million accidents each year. That is almost half of the 11 million crashes that take place on an annual basis. Unfortunately, the problem only seems to be getting worse as distractions like texting become more and more common. Researchers recently analyzed a group of 28 studies, comparing the data. According to their findings, texting or looking at a phone while driving can have numerous adverse effects, ranging from limiting the ability of the driver to detect stimuli, to decreasing reaction times, causing a loss of control over the vehicle, and increasing the rate of collisions.

Based on this information, some researchers even believe that texting while driving is more dangerous than operating a vehicle at the legal limit for alcohol or while under the influence of marijuana. The problem isn’t only limited to teenagers. Older adults are every bit as likely to be guilty of texting while driving. They are also far more likely to talk on their phones while driving.

One of the primary arguments used by proponents of self-driving cars is that they eliminate distracted driving. This, in turn, could possibly decrease the number of crashes, limiting the number of deaths and injuries that occur on an annual basis. In actuality, however, comparisons between self-driving vehicles in human drivers don’t necessarily bear that out.

According to studies, over 90% of the automobile accidents that occur in the United States are caused by driver error. In theory, stopping these accidents could reduce the new for the Trevino Law Firm in Corpus Christi, but also, save the lives of the same number of people as were killed in Vietnam within just two years of the technology being introduced.

As someone who researches human factors, I don’t find that information adequate for evaluating whether or not automated vehicles would be better at avoiding crashes than humans. The only way to tell for sure is by evaluating how many times drivers avoid collisions. What are the actual odds of getting in a collision for a human driver?

Of course, this is extremely hard to measure. For instance, say that you were trying to determine how many times you avoided bumping into people in the hall. To figure that out, you need to not only look at the amount of time that you spent walking down the hallway but also the number of people that were present. When a non-event occurs, it is usually overlooked or easily forgotten. However, to make a fair comparison between self-driving vehicles and human drivers, researchers need to gather statistics about the number of non-collisions that occur in both situations.

Comparing Statistics Equally

Accident statistics relating to human drivers are drawn from a number of different driving conditions. For instance, some statistics come from people driving when it is raining out while others come from people driving on dirt roads. The bulk of the data on self-driving vehicles, on the other hand, has been gathered from states in the western part of the country. Typically, these cars are only analyzed when the weather is good. The data itself is primarily recorded when the vehicles are driving on highways with multiple lanes in a single direction. In these types of situations, the primary tasks that the car has to accomplish include staying in its own lane and avoiding tailgating the vehicle in front of it.

These types of tasks are relatively easy for automated vehicles. Of course, humans are also quite good at accomplishing these tasks. Until more data is gathered from other parts of the country and on different types of roads, however, it is difficult to make a fair comparison. In fact, it will most likely be a long time before a self-driving vehicle has the opportunity to drive as many miles on an annual basis as a typical human driver.

One of the advantages of automated vehicles is that they don’t succumb to human problems such as tiredness, anger, or drunkenness. At the same time, however, they lack the reasoning skills to deal with unexpected or confusing situations. They also can’t really anticipate potentially dangerous situations that may be coming further down the road as a human driver could. Instead, they operate at the moment.

Automated systems have a hard time distinguishing between different types of objects. A group of people waiting at a bus stop might look almost the same as an empty cornfield. If a vehicle is facing an emergency situation, most drivers take the course of action that will minimize damage to both themselves and the people around them. A self-driving vehicle doesn’t have the ability to analyze the situation and decide on the best course of action. Instead, they only react in one way, which may not necessarily be the best way.

Technological Advancements Create Fresh Complications

Most people are on board with the idea of pursuing driverless technology, simply because there is the potential for it to reduce the number of accidents that occur. It would be amazing if these vehicles were able to stop car accidents altogether, eliminating deaths and injuries on the road. Of course, some people love getting behind the wheel and driving their vehicles. In that case, they may feel disappointed not to be able to drive their car.

Of course, the new technology doesn’t always result in better outcomes. All that you have to do is look at the aviation industry for examples. When new technology is introduced, the number of negative events usually increases temporarily. This may discourage people from fully embracing self-driving technology if this also occurs with automated vehicles.

When comparing human drivers and self-driving vehicles, it is important to use caution. It is going to be a long time before all of the cars on the road are replaced by automated vehicles. In the meantime, self-driving cars and human drivers will have to interact with one another. How this will play out remains to be seen.

If you want to honestly compare driverless technology and human drivers, you need to make sure that those comparisons are being made accurately and under the same circumstances. Comparing two different sets of data from different driving conditions won’t give an accurate picture of how the technology performs in comparison to traditional vehicles. As with any major technological shift, it is important to proceed slowly and to use caution to avoid unexpected problems along the way.

 

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.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

7 Ways Truck Accidents Differ from the Regular Car Crashes

Truck accidents happen due to severe weather conditions, road hazards, and exhausted driving. When the accidents occur, the laws require further steps than are needed for a standard auto accident.Federal and state laws apply to truck accidents, and law enforcement must follow these laws when determining happened. Victims who were involved in a trucking accident review the 7 ways truck accidents differ from regular car accidents. Here are the 7 Ways Truck Accidents Differ from the Regular Car Crashes: 1. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Regulations Apply Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator regulations require all commercial drivers to take a resting period after each 12-hour driving schedule. A failure to follow the regulation increases the risk of a trucking accident. All miles traveled in the truck are recorded in the driver's log. Additionally, the drivers are required to stop at weigh stations that are open throughout the interstate. An imbalanced load increases the risk of the rig jackknifing and causing a trucking accident. All drivers and trucking companies must follow all federal laws pertaining to operating an 18-wheeler. 2. A Higher Potential Payout Through Insurance Trucking companies have more insurance coverage than most auto owners. Victims involved in the trucking accidents have a chance of receiving far more substantial payouts to cover medical expenses and property damage if the truck is owned by a trucking company. The coverage applies to all victims involved in the accident when the commercial driver is responsible for the accident. If the victim's injuries and property damage costs exceed the coverage maximum, the victim can file a lawsuit to collect compensation. 3. A More Thorough Investigation is Required Federal laws require more thorough investigations for all trucking accidents. An investigation determines if the commercial driver followed federal regulations or if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The truck is evaluated for mechanical failures that contributed to the accident, too. 4. More Substantial Injuries and a Higher Risk of Fatalities The risk of more substantial injuries or fatalities is greater than with regular car crashes. The weight of the commercial truck alone increases the likelihood of a fatal accident. Trucking accidents often include several vehicles and multiple injuries. 5. More Potential Individuals Could be Involved in the Accidents The accountable party isn't always clear at first when it comes to trucking accidents. First, law enforcement evaluates the driver. If the driver didn't cause the accident, the next step is to evaluate the truck for mechanical failures and faulty parts. Any mechanical failures that were due to the trucking company's failure to serve the truck make the trucking company liable. 6. Medical Bills Often Cost More After a trucking accident, the victim's medical bills could cost a lot more than if the victim was involved in a regular car crash. Since injuries are often more severe, the medical costs are greater, and some patients sustain permanent injuries. Traumatic brain injuries are more likely in commercial trucking accidents. 7. More Property Damage Than in Regular Auto AccidentsExtensive property damage is possible in a trucking accident. The path of the accident defines how much property damage occurs. If the accident happens on a major highway, it is possible for the accident to involve multiple vehicles and properties that are nearby.Commercial trucking accidents increase the risk of serious injuries and fatalities. Whenever a large-scale truck is involved, the weight and the speed of the truck play a role in the outcome. Victims who were involved in the accidents follow tips for filing lawsuits and collecting compensation for their injuries and financial losses.Read Also:Get to Know Interstate and Intrastate Heavy Haul Transport The Hidden Damages In Workspaces: 5 Steps To Reduce The Risk Of Workplace Injuries!

READ MOREDetails

10 Tips to Prevent Truck Accidents: The Complete Guide for Truck Drivers

We all know that truck accident can cause severe injuries and even death. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are more than 4,000 people killed in truck accidents each year.The good news is that most of these accidents are preventable. This blog post will discuss some tips that truck drivers can use to prevent accidents from happening. Can Truck Accidents Be Prevented? Regardless of how technology has advanced, there are still many dangers associated with driving a truck. Truck accidents can be caused by several factors, including driver error, mechanical problems, and poor weather conditions.Although accidents cannot always be prevented, there are specific steps that truck drivers can take to minimize the risk of being involved in an accident. Below are some tips on how to avoid truck accidents:Always obey the speed limit and other traffic laws. Be aware of your surroundings, and pay attention to other drivers. Ensure that your truck is maintained correctly and that all mechanical problems are fixed before you hit the road. Avoid driving in poor weather conditions whenever possible. If you must drive in bad weather, use caution and drive slowly. If you are tired, take a break. Driving when you are tired can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. Plan your route, and avoid congested areas whenever possible. Stay alert at all times, and never drink and drive.Following these tips will not guarantee that you will never be involved in an accident, but they can help to reduce the risk. Remember, even if an accident is not your fault, it can still have severe consequences for you and your career. So do everything you can to avoid them.If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck accident, contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. A well-versed Macon Personal Injury Lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. 1. Give Clear Signs And SignalsRegardless of how careful and cautious they are, truck drivers can’t avoid accidents if other motorists on the road don’t know their intentions. Truckers need to give clear signs and signals when changing lanes or making turns. Unfortunately, many car drivers often fail to notice these signals, resulting in serious accidents. 2. Avoid Going To Their Blind Spots Truck drivers should always avoid going to the blind spots of other trucks. If you can’t see the driver in their mirror, then chances are they can’t see you either. 3. Merge Carefully When Entering The Highway It is essential to do so gradually and carefully when merging onto the highway. Speeding up to match traffic flow can be dangerous, as it gives other motorists less time to react. 4. Keep A Safe Distance From Other Vehicles Truck drivers should always maintain a safe distance from other vehicles on the road. This is especially true in bad weather conditions when trucks take longer to stop. 5. Use Extra Caution When Driving Near Schools And Playgrounds Trucks should always use extra caution when driving near schools and playgrounds. Children can be unpredictable and dart out into the street without warning. 6. Use Extra Caution When You Pass When passing other vehicles, use extra caution and give yourself plenty of room. Sudden braking or lane changes can cause accidents. 7. Lower Brights When Approaching Other VehiclesWhen approaching other vehicles, truck drivers should lower their brights. This will help to avoid blinding the other driver and causing an accident. 8. Avoid Getting Distracted Truck drivers need to avoid getting distracted while driving. This can be difficult, as many things can cause distractions, including cell phones, GPS devices, and other passengers in the cab. If you must use a cell phone or GPS device, pull over to a safe location first. And if you have passengers in the cab, make sure to keep them quiet and out of the way. 9. Stay In The Right Lane Whenever Possible Truck drivers should stay in the right lane whenever possible. This will help to keep traffic moving and reduce the risk of accidents. 10. Be Aware Of Road Conditions Truck drivers should be aware of the road conditions at all times. This includes checking for potholes, icy roads, and other potential hazards. Common Causes Of Truck Accidents As a truck driver, you should be aware of the most common causes of truck accidents. This will help you to be more cautious and avoid these situations altogether. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include: 1. Driver Error This is the number one cause of truck accidents, and it can be caused by a variety of factors such as fatigue, distractions, and inexperience. 2. Mechanical Problems Trucks are complex machines, and it is not uncommon for them to experience mechanical problems. These problems can often lead to accidents. 3. Poor Weather ConditionsBad weather can make driving a truck very dangerous, and it is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Final Words If you take the road next to a heavy vehicle like a truck or bus, you need to be extra vigilant. These big boys are not easy to stop, and they will take up most of the road, so there would be hardly any space for you should an emergency happen. Remember that even if these drivers do their best to avoid accidents, there are still factors beyond their control.It would be best if you could avoid being in their blind spot. Do not tailgate and always give them enough space should they need to stop or change lanes. You should also use your horn when necessary to get their attention, especially when it is dark or nasty weather. Lastly, do not cut them off as this will only anger the driver and cause an accident.Read Also:Understanding Truck Accidents in Indiana Have you been in a Semi-Truck Accident? Here Are 4 Reasons You Need to Hire a Lawyer Immediately Legal Ways to Determining Fault for an Arizona Truck Accident 10 Causes Of Uber Accidents In The United States

READ MOREDetails
things to keep in your car

Road Ready: 5 Essential Things to Keep in Your Car

At times, there's nothing quite like hitting the open road and traveling.However, the open road isn't all candy and roses. In fact, when things go wrong, the open road can be a truly cruel mistress.For this reason, you need to keep a few key items in your vehicle at all times. Wondering what these items are? Here are 5 essential things to keep in your car at all times. 5 Things to Keep in Your Car: There is no shortage of things you should keep in your vehicle. However, the 5 items discussed below are absolute car necessities. 1. Jumper Cables: Car batteries can be tricky. While they're usually fairly reliable, they can give out at just a moment's notice. For this reason, it's vital that you always have jumper cables in your vehicle.While old-school jumper cables can get the job done, you might want to consider buying a jump starter kit. A kit can give your vehicle a jump without the use of a fellow vehicle. 2. Jack: It's impossible to know when you're going to run over something sharp. Even the slightest point can put a puncture in your tire, requiring that you change it immediately.Because of this, it's important that you always have a car jack in your car. Find the best floor jack possible now. 3. Flashlight: You never know where or when your car might break down. It could be in your driveway, but it could also be in the middle of a strange parking lot. It could be during the day, but it could also be during the night.This is why you'll want to keep a flashlight in your vehicle at all times. Should you ever experience a breakdown in the dead of night, your flashlight will truly come in handy. 4. First Aid Kit: Every time you get onto the road, you run the risk of getting into an accident. This is just the reality of driving a vehicle amongst other vehicles.Should you injure yourself during an accident, you'll want to be able to patch yourself up quickly. This is why a first aid kit is one of many emergency items to keep in your car. 5. Charger: In this day and age, a smartphone is an absolute necessity. This is particularly true if you're driving in your car. After all, you never know when you might have to call up the police, an ambulance, or a tow truck.Of course, phones die. This is why you need to keep a phone charger in your vehicle. Should your battery get low, you'll be able to power it up in no time. In Search of More Life Hacks?  Truthfully, there are far more than 5 things to keep in your car. However, if you, at the very least, have the 5 things reviewed above, you should be able to get yourself out of any potential jam.In search of more useful life hacks? If so, Content Rally has you covered. Our website contains life hacks on everything from travel to entertainment to technology and more.Browse some more of our articles now!Read Also:Best New Cars For Teenagers Car Insurance For Electric Vehicles Explained Why You Should Have A Code Reader For Your Car Contemplating An Aluminium Ute Canopy For Your Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle?

READ MOREDetails