
Questions around self-driving car risks and safety are becoming increasingly relevant as companies like Uber and Waymo begin testing their autonomous vehicles on public roads. This technology could radically improve road safety, and increase mobility for people who currently cannot drive, or should not be driving. At the same time, it raises new safety issues.
Is it OK if autonomous vehicles are just as safe as human drivers? Should they be safer? What safety standards should we be using? What happens when people are killed by these vehicles (as has already happened) - who's liable, and who decides what's OK, and what is not?
As companies like Waymo, Uber, GM and Tesla continue to develop their self-driving technologies, there is more urgency than ever for a broader discussion about safety and risk, that leads to smart policies and regulations that ensure the technology is as safe and as beneficial as possible.
The video is part of Risk Bites series on Public Interest Technology - technology in the service of public good.
#selfdriving #safety #risk #cars
USEFUL LINKS
Safety in a World of Driverless Cars (Rand Corporation)
Why Waiting for Perfect Autonomous Vehicles May Cost Lives
After Tempe fatality, self-driving car developers must engage with public now or risk rejection
Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts 2016
Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State. 2017 Preliminary Data
Redefining "Safety" for Self-Driving Cars
Waymo Safety Report 2017
GM Safety Report 2018
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