Autonomous Vehicle Industry: Decades of Research Leads to Safer, More Efficient Transport

With the invention of the autonomous vehicle industry, as a result many technological advancements and mechanical devices have improved. Apparently, production of autonomous cars is at the forefront of the technological automotive world and strives to be a technology for masses in the years to come. Many speculate if the technology is needed and plenty have said it is too new. However, the decades of research of this technology prove otherwise. Safer vehicles, more efficient transport, and transport of the disabled and elderly are only a few of the positive implications autonomous vehicles could bring.

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Safer travel is essential for any type of transport. Autonomous vehicles have been proven on multiple occasions to be the safest form of travel on land. It has been stated that the general use of such vehicles could reduce fatality rates of vehicle accidents up to 99% [6]. The use of sensors and intelligent transport systems (ITS) are incredibly more responsive to the best drivers [3][6]. The differences are staggering, 35,000 vehicle fatalities in the U.S occurred in 2010 alone while there have been less than five at fault autonomous vehicles collisions since 2015 [3]. Safety is priority for transportation and autonomous vehicles have a record of safety never before seen.

Efficiency in today's world is vital for daily life. The need to in one destination in a certain amount of time has never been so required. Furthermore, general use of autonomous vehicles can have arrival times and save on fuel economy. The use of a method called platooning uses vehicles in a row to arrive at destinations faster [3]. The method works by reducing aerodynamic lag that is taken away from the lead vehicle and the removal of congestion [3]. On a larger scale this can reduce traffic within most of the countries. The method can create a controlled system since the car will move in the set driving space, and hence traffic won't be an issue anymore [3]. The consumption of fuel will also be of controlled and required gasoline may be reduced to half by the system.

Use of public transportation should be accessible to all. However, many people who are disabled and elderly have difficulty with current forms of transport. These forms of transportation do not accommodate for their needs in many ways. Many who cannot drive well or at all must only use transportation during certain times to avoid heavy traffic or large crowds. Nevertheless, autonomous vehicles can accommodate all types of people by allowing them safe travel without need for human interaction [7]. Many can use these vehicles for essential needs even without certain level of mobility. One example of this is Steve Mahan, a 95% blind man who uses an autonomous car to get fast food and perform daily tasks [7]. Simple tasks can be a reality again for many and the use of autonomous vehicles can assist in helping with improve the well-being of many misrepresented individuals.

The evaluation of the advantages of self-driving vehicles compared to human driven vehicles proves many assumptions wrong. The research indicates that autonomous vehicles have further advantages over limitations. Therefore, it would be recommended that the adaptation of a system of autonomous vehicles be integrated in the university's campus for the safety of faculty and students, efficiency of travel, and well-being of all who use it.

It seems what bars autonomous vehicles to be in the general public is the reluctance. Many see the new technology as dangerous even with the research to support its safety. The trust of one's life to a program is a difficult to understand and be accepted. However, as the years progress the public becomes more susceptible to the technology. In a study in 2014 of 104 people 91% of people said they would be open to using self-driving cars at least once a year; furthermore, 41% said they would want their next car to have self-driving technology [3]. The public approval is there but a push of the agenda would cement a large stride for the technology and university.