What’s the future? What can be done now?
Updated July 26, 2019: The bandwagon for autonomous vehicles continues to accelerate. Consequently, tech updates abound—and so do the endless speculations.
- Will there be a self-driving car in every driveway?
- Or will automated driving be limited to public transportation or ride sharing?
- What about liability issues?
- Data privacy?
- System failures?
- Insurance rates?
- Furthermore, will it lead to less congestion, less pollution and greater mobility for seniors and those with disabilities?
Safety
One of the primary drivers behind automated driving systems is safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that:
- 94% of all serious crashes are due to human error.
- In 2017, 37,133 died in automobile crashes.
- 3,450 of 2016 deaths were due to distraction-related motor vehicle crashes.
Levels of autonomous driving
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has created the industry standards for autonomous driving levels.
SAE Autonomous Automation Levels
- Levels 0 and 1 are where most cars are today.
- Level 2 can be found in some vehicles. An advanced driver assistance system controls both steering and braking/accelerating simultaneously under some circumstances. Consumer Reports actually tested 4 automated driving systems—Cadillac’s Super Cruise and Tesla’s Autopilot, Nissan/Infinite’s ProPilot Assist and Volvo’s Pilot Assist systems, as well as an update to the Autopilot.
- Level 3 means that while the car drives itself, the driver could nap, play games or work. But if the vehicle runs into a situation it can’t handle, it must notify the driver in time to safely hand off control.
- Level 4 can do all the driving. But it’s under strict conditions such as a specific location, time of day and ideal weather conditions.
- Level 5 is the ability to handle driving all the time. Anywhere, anytime and any kind of weather condition.
Self-driving roadblocks
Testing of various technologies required for levels 2 through 4 is underway. Some of that testing is the real world. Some are at controlled, government test sites. Level 5 is far future. That’s because it must grapple with incomplete geographic mapping. And it needs to figure out how to deal with extreme weather conditions.
- The need for autonomous vehicles to communicate with each other (V2V) is also evident. Which language will become universal?
- Should governments improve roadways to speed autonomous driving implementation?
- Can the built-in AI that controls the automated vehicle handle an emergency situation? Can it make unarguable decisions based on shades-of-gray choice?
- Will that AI programming vary from vehicle to vehicle?
- Autonomous vehicle tech is expensive. Even if technologies become uniform across the board, are they affordable?
Public perceptions of autonomous vehicles
Kelley Blue Book, Governors Highway Safety Association, and AAA have conducted surveys. The information is insightful. Therefore, the reports are well worth reading in full.
- Americans will need a lot of convincing to commit themselves to a Level 5 vehicle. The AAA survey indicates that 71% of Americans are afraid to ride in a fully self-driving vehicle.
- Interest in Level 4 is strong since it offers the best of both worlds.
- Price is a big factor.
- There is great concern over how well automated vehicles and driver-operated cars will coexist on the same roadway.
Aftermarket advantage
In 2016, we first explored the Top 5 Aftermarket Car Safety Devices. In light of the accelerating push toward automated driving, it’s time to revisit the topic.
- According to IHS Markit, the average age of a car on US highways is 11.8 years—and climbing. This means there are a lot of cars out there that are at Level 0 or 1. The research also shows that the oldest light vehicles are in the West at 12.4 years while the youngest are in the Northeast at 10.9 years. Montana takes top honors as the oldest average age at 16.6 years. Vermont has the youngest at 9.9 years.
- A number of technologies in automated vehicles exist today in non-automated, aftermarket form.
- New cars are getting more expensive. So are those costly, optional safety upgrades! As a result, there’s plenty of potential right now for aftermarket car tech installers.
Aftermarket potential
As of May 2018, all new vehicles require a rearview video system. The rearview camera aftermarket variant is full of choices. There are license plate varieties and mountables. Many include a monitor. These should be used as an added safety tool. They are not a replacement for mirrors or turning around to look. Therefore, you need to educate your customers on this key point.
2. Forward collision warning systems
Aftermarket versions of forward collision warning (FCW) tend to be a part of a dashcam system. The camera measures the distance between itself and the vehicle in front. If they get too close, a warning is sounded. This lets the driver know he or she needs to take immediate action.
3. Lane departure warning systems
Lane departure is often bundled with forwarding collision systems since it is also camera-dependent. It alerts drivers if the vehicle drifts out of its lane. This can help prevent sideswipes or rollovers.
4. Blind spot detection systems
Trying to adjust a vehicle’s mirrors to cover a 360° field of view is not easy. Some say it’s impossible! Sensors alert the driver to approaching vehicles. Cameras can also be mounted on the side of a vehicle. Therefore, they provide additional eyes in hard-to-see spots.
Safety first
The safety benefits of autonomous vehicles are undeniable. So are the issues facing their implementation. The roadmap to autonomous driving is paved with great intentions. But the ultimate destination may be years away.
There are affordable, aftermarket products available that increase safety. Consequently, skilled installers should promote themselves as the source for valuable, autonomous-alternative safety solutions.
Petra carries more than aftermarket safety products. We stock a wide variety of other 12-volt automotive products. Therefore, be sure to check them all out!