Are driverless cars safe?
We know that driverless cars are coming. So imagine the future,
when you get into your driverless car, set the controls to take you
home, sit back and relax as the autonomous vehicle sets off down
the road.
You are in the driver's seat, but your hands aren't on
the steering wheel and your feet aren't touching the
pedals.
The vehicle steers itself through traffic, keeping a safe
distance from all the other cars, trucks and buses around you. It
picks up digital signals from traffic lights to stop, has sensors
to brake when a pedestrian is crossing the road, and it never
breaks the speed limit.
It's been a hard day and your eyes droop. The car is safely
driving itself and your attention is elsewhere when suddenly a dog
runs onto the road. The car's automatic brake sensor
doesn't stop the car in time, the car hits the dog and veers
off the road, bouncing off a parked car and hitting a
pedestrian.
