Will Self-Driving Cars Replace Human Error?

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

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.

Read also: How To Shop For A Car With Your Teen Driver?

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.

Read More:

  1. 5 Ways To Avoid The Rip Off While Buying A Used Car
  2. Invest In A New Car, Without A Financial Liabilit
  3. Turn The Tables For Helpless Children With Car Donation In New Jersey
  4. Fred Loya Insurance Company

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

Mercedes-Benz

Top 5 Mercedes-Benz Cars

Mercedes-Benz is one of the top class luxury car brands in the world which is liked by the interested communities. There are numerous models of the Mercedes-Benz's which are popular among the communities and it’s depending upon the features and the specific requirements to buy the best-featured cars. Get the latest news and updates about the latest and famous Mercedes-Benz's car models to evaluate the best-featured cars. Reviews and guidelines Rexbo.co.uk can help interested communities to make prompt decisions and to choose the prompt order processing to meet with their specific interests and plan to get the best quality of car models.  Top 5 Mercedes-Benz Cars In the top five best Mercedes-Benz car models: Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gull-wing Coupe (1954-1957), present C-Class (1994), S600, (1963-1981), SLS AMG (2010-2015), SLR McLaren (2003-2010), present CLA 45 AMG (2014) are the top 5 best Mercedes-Benz car, models which are famous and have a great reputation among luxury car lovers. An aggressive sport appearance, speed transmission, luxury, performance, and safety features that make the specific car models prominent and unique. Almost all types of specific featured Mercedes-Benz Cars are famous and have a great reputation among the interested car lovers to meet with the trusts and the confidence of the people. Figures, performance, and styling make the car models ideal and best-approaching to meet with the trusts and the confidence levels of the interested communities. Among the list of automotive brands in the world, Mercedes-Benz’s slogan is very popular and has great fans in every part of the globe. Visit the online authentic showrooms to know about the great featuring Mercedes-Benz’s car models. There are many luxury cars and reputed car brands that are famous due to the best quality and luxury style car models. Numerous car models have a unique range and a massive range of ideas which are greatly influenced and the response from the interested communities to meet with your objectives to resolve all types of instant responding auto car resources. Objectives of Mercedes-Benz Cars Almost all car brands and luxury style car manufacturers take full interest to meet with the specific formalities and the objectives to resolve all types of issues with great demand. Almost all types of ideas and plans are the best and quick responding action plans for the car owners to get satisfaction and to meet with the interest levels of interested car lovers. There are massive ranges of car ideas and plans are the best which are best and actionable to meet with the objectives on behalf of the quick influencing resources. Asking for online help and support to buy luxury cars are the main priorities of some buyers who always use the best quality of featured car brands. Visit the online reputed stores to meet with the specific objectives of Mercedes-Benz's car lovers who always like to use the luxury style cars for their personal use. The team of Mercedes-Benz’s company always tries to fulfill the demands of the specific communities to meet with the specific objective of the interested car lovers and introduce their interest’s relevant car models which represent the modern style of car models. Almost all the highlighted features of the luxury stylish cars impress the response of the car owners who take interest in drive the luxury style cars. Conclusion: Interested in luxury style car lovers can meet with their interests and ideas to finding the best-branded car models to place online orders for instant delivery services. Mercedes-Benz has introduced numerous car models to meet with its client’s objectives by providing the exact car brands. Buy all types of top luxury style car accessories at attractive prices online and meet with your online car buying objectives through efficient and prompt responding resources. Read Also: How To Shop For A Car With Your Teen Driver? Are You Thinking About Buying Quad Bike For Your Kid?

READ MOREDetails
Car Title Loans

5 Benefits of Car Title Loans and One Important Warning

Benefits of car title loans include ease, speed, and lack of influence from your credit score to name a few. However, one must remember that ‘easy cash’ is never truly easy and treat this method of financing as an extreme case aid that it is. 5 Most Important Benefits of Car Title Loans : 1. A quick source of cash : The process of taking out a car title loan is so simple, you’ll have money on hand within a few hours. You won’t even need to collect any specialized paperwork to apply. The majority of lenders only require a simple form that you can complete in under 10 minutes. 2. Your credit score is irrelevant : Any car owner can get this type of loan as long as their vehicle is worth more than the loan amount and they have a source of income. Your credit score won’t even be asked when applying for auto title loans. 3. Your car stays with you : One of the most important benefits of car title loans is that you don’t have to give up your car after taking one. That’s why this financing method is so great as you won’t be deprived of an asset that you need to make money for repaying the debt. Note that you can even take out this loan in order to pay for car repairs. 4. Interest rates are lower than payday loans : The majority of payday loans and various cash advances that are often used as a quick source of cash have very ‘unfriendly’ terms. That’s because those financing options are extremely risky for the lender as they literally give you money for free. You can get some idea of how ‘not cheap;’ those loans are from the PEW Charitable Trusts statistics. Car title loans, on the other hand, have default collateral, which is your vehicle. This enables the lenders to cut down the interest rates and make the overall terms more favorable. 5. Flexible payback schemes : Paying off a car title loan will be easier than many other quick cash options because these plans are very flexible. Due to the collateral, lenders feel more secure and therefore are open to negotiations. You can definitely hope to get a long-term installment plan adjusted to your personal needs. One Warning About Auto Title Loans : First of all, you need to understand that this warning does not negate the benefits of car title loans in any way. Instead, like any warning, it’s here to remind you not to abuse the good thing that this financing offers. It’ might be easy to fall into the trap of ‘easy money’ illusion and take out a greater loan than you are able to handle. To prevent this, you should consider your reasons very carefully. Do you need cash badly? Is your situation an emergency? When will you be able to get the money needed to pay off the debt? Take out this loan only if your answer to the first two questions is ‘yes’. The last one is necessary to plan out the best payback scheme for your circumstances. Read More : Invest In A New Car, Without A Financial Liability How To Get An Auto Loan At A Low-Interest Rate How To Get A Loan On A Day With Bad Credit?

READ MOREDetails
Luxury Car

Important Tips to Maintain your Luxury Car

Luxury cars are every man’s dream. They offer an unparalleled driving experience, taking you down the smooth roads in a breeze. These mean machines are not only beautiful but certainly, attract some head-turns and awe by people on the road. However, as breathtaking as they may be, luxury cars cannot be afforded by everyone. Even if you can buy one, then its maintenance costs can drive even the most ardent car fan crazy. These impeccable machines need attention, pampering, and lots of care for them to function smoothly. So if you just inducted yourself in the league of luxury car owners, then this article will share some important tips to maintain its life and to keep it running well through the years. Buy the Right Car Products: The thing about luxury cars is that you must invest heavily in its maintenance and its products. Unlike other cars where you can simply buy stuff off the shelves, luxury cars require you to be more considerate.You must look for products that are suitable for your vehicle like GPS tracking system and can enhance its life. When it comes to luxury vehicles, these products are manufactured for the purpose of maintaining the car and to ensure that it runs smoothly. You should research all your options before investing in them. Sometimes your car may even require custom maintenance, be sure to check about that. Get Regular Service: Servicing your vehicle from time to time is an important aspect of your luxury car upkeep. Since your luxury cars have multiple electrical features, they must be serviced more frequently than the others. For your car to get serviced well and on time, you must locate a service center that is capable of catering to your car and its needs. Most importantly, look for a center that specializes in your car type. Drive your Car Frequently: Believe it or not, many luxury car owners simply invest in them for the sake of status symbol and prestige attached to these vehicles. No matter what your reason is, a luxury Mercedes specialist warns that you must take your car out for a spin from time to time. All vehicles should be driven and allowing it to sit idle for a long time can actually be bad for them. Did you know that keeping your luxury car in the garage will cause more damage to your vehicle than driving it? Don't be surprised if your car breaks down after a month of sitting unused in the garage. Take it out and drive that thing to prolong its life! Follow Maintenance Schedule as Provided by Manufacturer: Manufacturers often provide an upkeep schedule that specifies what needs to be done and when. All you need to do is follow the schedule as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly. If you are feeling lazy about getting your car serviced, then remember that it demands more attention and care than a regular car. Interior and Exterior Cleaning: Luxury car models are vulnerable to cuts and scrapes. This is why you should only use the certified cleaning products for its interior and exterior cleaning. High-end interiors in your vehicle are made from expensive materials that require specialized care. Only use leather-approved products on your leather seats. Additionally, use the high-power vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt and quality carpet shampoo to get rid of all tough stains. The best way to get your luxury car cleaned from the inside is to let professionals handle it. They follow the instructions down to the last detail and ensure that the car is squeaky clean from inside. Additionally, for the exterior cleaning, find a good car wash that uses the hand-washing technique. By using this method for regular cleaning, you can prevent discoloration, and cracking and peeling of paint. Experts recommend that you must get your car washed at least two to three times every week. You should also give it a wax/sealant treatment once every month. Tire Maintenance: Tires are what makes the car actually move, their maintenance is mandatory. As you use your car on a daily basis, the tires take a beating by rubbing against the tarred road. This is why it is imperative that you maintain your tires if you want it to be in good condition. After driving up to a thousand miles, it is common for the tires to experience regular wear and tear. Not getting them serviced in time will also upset the car’s balance. Sometimes, continuing to drive a car with worn-out tires can lead to a tire burst that is not only irreversible but also dangerous. Needless to say, this is why it is recommended to change the tire of your luxury car as soon as the treads on it contract to 1.5mm or less. Another parameter to check the tire life of your luxury car is to check the air pressure. Get your air pressure checked each time you take your car for refueling. Check the Batteries: If you have been driving for some time, then you already know that car breakdown is mostly caused due to faulty batteries. Unlike normal cars, the electrical system in a luxury car is way more complex. Therefore, it requires a trained technician to preserve your battery’s life in order to prevent your vehicle from breaking down unexpectedly. The experts will check for loose screws and build-up on the terminals. They will also ensure that the electrolyte levels are full. Consider replacing the old battery if it has been older than three years. Check the Maintenance Schedule: Even the most basic cars require regular service, your luxury vehicles are way more demanding to ensure their optimum performance. Not to get your vehicle serviced in time can be one of the quickest ways to ruin its health over time. It can add to the cost of your car’s upkeep as failure to maintain its parts can lead to their malfunctioning that will further need their replacement. You can prevent these issues from escalating by handling the maintenance as and when it is required. You should keep a track of when the maintenance is due and plan for it ahead of time to avoid delays. Follow the Rulebook: Maintaining a luxury vehicle is really not as complicated as one would think. It comes with a rulebook with detailed instructions regarding its maintenance and upkeep. All you need to do is follow these basic practices to maintain your vehicle and ensure its long life on the road.  Things, like parking your car in the garage and covering it with tarpaulin alone, can prevent the damage caused due to extreme hot and cold weathers. Similarly, there are many such little things that we do not even consider when talking about the maintenance of your vehicles. Now you know that how you need to maintain your luxury car. You can follow all the above-mentioned ways and keep your car in top condition, no matter whether it is an expensive car or an inexpensive one. Make sure that you give time to your car frequently when it comes to taking care of it. Read Also: Car Between 5 – 10 Lakhs – What Is It? What Do You Need To Change Car Rims? Why You Need Classic Car Insurance?

READ MOREDetails