Making Self-Driving Cars Better

JEFFERSON, Texas. While the goal for driverless cars is to make them as safe as possible, autonomous vehicles still have a long way to go. After the deadly accident in Arizona, Uber is reconsidering how it’s going to test its vehicles. Following the deadly crash that left a pedestrian dead, Uber was barred from testing its cars in Arizona. It also pulled its cars from testing in other cities until it sorted things out. According to Wired, Uber plans to resume testing its vehicles in Pittsburgh, but it plans to keep human drivers behind the wheel. Yet, having human drivers monitor the technology doesn’t always mean self-driving cars are safe.

For Uber’s part, Wired reports that it has had the former National Transportation Safety Board chair perform a safety review of its technology. Yet, more than reviewing its technology, Uber has been taking a closer look at its reliance on human operators. Researchers of human computer interaction have long known that humans cannot remain attentive for as long as some companies have asked them to be, especially when it comes to spending long hours behind the wheel of a car they are not driving.

So, what is a company like Uber to do? Self-driving companies need to test their vehicles in real-world situations. Initial reports indicate that Uber, like other companies, will start using two people inside the vehicle during testing. The company also plans to install cameras in its cars to monitor drivers. Other experts have suggested that monitors also have their eyes tracked by software to track attention.

Driverless cars will be an inevitability of the future. While the technology is not quite ready for widespread use, already major companies are planning how they’ll use it. From driverless ride shares, to driverless rides to the store or mall, cities could be reshaped and lives changed by the technology. According to QZ, in Phoenix, Arizona, Waymo is partnering with Walmart to put passengers inside driverless vehicles. As an incentive the passengers will enjoy discounts on groceries for using the service.

Driverless cars have the potential to make life safer and easier for Americans. Properly tested, driverless cars might make fewer mistakes than human drivers and also be subject to fewer risks, like distraction. Yet, the road to driverless technology is likely to be a long one and one with some bumps. No technology is perfect and when humans and computers both get behind the wheel, accidents are possible.

Until then, drivers should take steps to keep themselves and their loved ones safe when behind the wheel. Put down your cell phone, focus on the road, and don’t drive while fatigued.

If you or a loved one was hurt while driving, consider reaching out to the personal injury lawyers at the Cooper Law Firm in Jefferson, Texas. Our firm can help you seek damages for your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages. You are not alone. We can help. Visit us at https://www.cooper-law-firm.com/ to learn more.

Cooper Law Firm
501 N Third St,
Longview, TX 75601
Telephone: (903) 297-0037