The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that the critical reason behind 94 percent of crashes is human error. The majority of these crashes are caused by recognition errors, where drivers are not paying attention to the road or the vehicles around them, and decision errors, such as speeding, performing illegal maneuvers, and misjudging gaps between vehicles or others’ speed.
Automated vehicles could eventually eliminate the majority of these crashes. While these systems require much more testing and validation before they are ready for commercial deployment, engineers are working to ensure that they drive safely, closely follow traffic laws, and respond appropriately to changing road conditions. Automated vehicles do not get distracted and can monitor their environment in 360° high-precision 3D.
Automated vehicles can also provide increased mobility to seniors, children, people with disabilities and others who are unable or choose not to drive. They could also operate much more efficiently than conventional vehicles, reducing congestion and emissions.