The future of self-driving cars is yet to be fully defined, but it's looking more and more certain. Car manufacturers are heavily invested in developing the technology, with some automation already integrated into newer vehicle models. In 2019, there were already more than 1,400 self-driving vehicle models in testing in the U.S. alone.
Approximately 1.3 million people die each year worldwide in car accidents, and many people worry automation will increase this number. However, one of the chief benefits of self-driving cars is their potential to improve road safety.
Benefits of self driving cars: Reducing risks on the road
Many traffic accidents are caused by human error. One of the obvious benefits of self-driving cars is reducing this major risk factor; autonomous vehicles are never tired, distracted, impulsive, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While autonomous cars may not reduce accidents by 94%, a future with self-driving cars could significantly improve safety through the use of highly sophisticated technologies. A 2020 analysis of factors contributing to traffic crashes noted that with improved sensing and response, autonomous vehicles could potentially prevent up to 33% of crashes.
Increasing automation
In America, there are already roughly 1,400 self-driving cars being tested. Additionally, Consumer Reports estimates that 92% of all new cars have some form of automation due to adaptive cruise control, and 50% have automation control for both steering and speed.
Existing automation technology, known as advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), can aid drivers, helping to reduce human error. ADAS features include automated lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, which enables cars to adjust their speed automatically and potentially help improve safety. These technologies are the first step to autonomy, helping to demonstrate to regulators, consumers and corporations the capabilities and benefits of self-driving cars.
Understanding the future of self-driving cars
The next evolution of the technology is establishing secure communication between vehicles and their environment—including other cars, people and city infrastructure. Known as Cellular Vehicle to Everything (C-V2X), this is where telecom and automotive companies are working together to build the future of self-driving cars. Companies like Verizon are already producing many of the foundational applications needed, like 5G and mobile edge computing (MEC). This isn't future technology: Together, Verizon and Amazon Web Services are already bringing mobile edge computing, Verizon 5G Edge with AWS Wavelength to at least 17 large metro areas in the United States.
MEC, paired with 5G connectivity, with its potential for high speed, low latency and massive capacity, could be a game-changer for C-V2X and the future of self-driving cars. 5G’s performance capabilities and MEC, which allows data to be processed closer to where it's generated, should allow self-driving cars to communicate faster than humans can react, absorbing multiple data points from which they can determine the safest, most efficient course of action. On busy roads, this will be paramount to their safety and acceptance.
Learn more about the safety of self-driving cars.
The author of this content is a paid contributor for Verizon.