Though autonomous test vehicles are allowed on public roads in 38 states, plus Washington D.C., a survey from AAA and Harvard exhibits that many drivers do not like the concept of sharing roads with these take a look at autos. The truth is, relying on the highway and automobile, 43% to 53% felt much less secure having the take a look at autos on the highway. Solely 11% to 13% felt safer with these autos on the highway, and the rest had been both uncertain or felt it would not change issues.
The survey additionally revealed that there are actions firms and researchers can take to make involved drivers really feel safer. The highest two embrace clearly marking an autonomous take a look at automobile as such, and presumably creating designated lanes and areas for testing. One other merchandise that fewer folks stated would make them comfy could be designated time slots when autonomous vehicles might take a look at.
There may very well be drawbacks to a few of these choices. Marking an autonomous automobile clearly and clearly might trigger drivers to behave unnaturally and have an effect on testing knowledge. Designated lanes might both scale back visitors quantity, or price extra cash to assemble. And limiting testing to particular lanes and time durations might additionally imply testing could not occur throughout as many conditions similar to heavy or gentle visitors.
No less than one state is attempting out autonomous-only lanes, although. Final summer time Michigan announced construction of an autonomous bus corridor between Detroit and Ann Arbor. It is a mixture of attempting out autonomous know-how and in addition attempting to boost public transit.
Additionally, though many drivers might really feel much less secure being on the highway with autonomous take a look at autos, they’re extra break up as to whether or not they typically assist or oppose testing on public roads. The survey discovered folks had been fairly evenly divided between supporting, opposing or being uncertain, with a slight edge to opposing (34% for, 36% towards). So there definitely is a chance for autonomous automobile builders to teach motorists and take steps to earn their belief.
Associated Video:
