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Let us set the scene. You are setting off for your morning commute, you are able to sit back and relax, streaming entertainment of your choice, all whilst your car drives itself. Sound appealing? Perhaps, the brave new world of autonomous cars is for you.
The Highway Code is constantly evolving and recent updates taking place in the summer, are aimed to ensure this new wave of technology will be introduced safely to the roads, allowing the first self-driving cars to become a legal mode of transport. This revolutionary altercation of the Highway Code to reflect the rapid growth in technological movement has sparked a national debate.
So, lets talk about the ins and outs of self-driving cars.
The innovative technology will allow drivers to take a back seat approach to driving on motorways, and new laws even suggest that drivers will be permitted to “view content that is not related to driving on built-in display screens, while the self-driving vehicle is in control.” (Harrison, 2022)
The autonomous experience enables the vehicle to “drive itself in a single lane, up to 37 mph.” (Harrison, 2022) The driver must also be able to regain control easily when necessary. The technology, therefore, creates a hybrid approach to driver control. Whilst this technological advancement sounds exciting for some, it will be and daunting and even scary for others. It may be a while before we suddenly turn to our neighbouring car, only to find him watching the latest motion picture with his or her feet kicked up. We certainly should not expect a dramatic decrease in conventional vehicles just yet.
What are the main benefits that self-driving cars will provide? Arguably, the largest selling point of this recent technology, is the improved safety aspect it provides. The technology eliminates the risk of human error whilst driving. “Incident reports overall show that as many as 80 percent to 90 percent of serious injuries and accidents have been attributed to human error.” (Koen, 2015) In theory, fully automated cars also allow people who are unable to drive due to disability or age, the opportunity to independently travel.
Is the self-driving car a safe experience and what is our take on the revolutionary experience? One of the main debates surrounding the modern technology, is whether self-driving cars are safer than conventional motors or not. Many are understandably sceptical about whether the cars will be able to pick up sudden hazards, such as pedestrians running out into the road. Trials have been conducted, such as the “on-demand car-hailing service using remote-controlled driverless vehicles” (Middleton, 2022) in Milton Keynes earlier this year. These trials alongside similar events and vigorous testing are trying to prove new technology will be safe.
What happens if the person is involved in a crash in a self-driving vehicle? Due to the nature of the car, the insurance company as opposed to the individual will be held responsible. Of course, misconduct such as use of a mobile phone or blatant disregard for road regulations, such as drink driving will be considered. Yes, you heard that right, it is not permitted to use your driverless car to get you home safe after you have been out drinking.
Of course, there are no self-driving vehicles on the roads yet. However, it is certainly underway to becoming a reality this summer, therefore we suggest you watch this space…
Who knows, this may be the new way of driving! We would like to find out what you think about self-driving cars? Get in touch NOW on our website
Bibliography
Harrison, T. (2022, April 20). Britain moves closer to a self-driving revolution. Retrieved from GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/britain-moves-closer-to-a-self-driving-revolution
Koen, S. L. (2015, October 25). Safety Leadership: Neuroscience and human error reduction. Retrieved from Safety and Health magazine: https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/13159-safety-leadership-neuroscience-and-human-error-reduction
Middleton, N. (2022, Dec 1). Driverless car-hailing trial goes live in Milton Keynes. Retrieved from Fleetworld: https://fleetworld.co.uk/driverless-car-hailing-trial-goes-live-in-milton-keynes
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