The Future of AI: How the Self-Driving Car is Changing the Road Ahead
The world might be far from achieving true artificial intelligence, but that doesn’t mean progress isn’t happening. One of the most significant advancements in AI-driven technology is the self-driving car. Companies like Google have been at the forefront of developing autonomous vehicles, paving the way for a future where human drivers may no longer be necessary. If successful, we could see these cars dominating the roads sooner than we think.
The Self-Driving Car as a Recognized Driver
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has made a groundbreaking declaration—Google’s self-driving car can legally be considered a driver. As reported by ZDNet, Google sought clarification on what it would take for their autonomous vehicles to be deemed highway-safe. The solution? Adjusting the placement of the brake pedal and sensors. With these modifications, these cars were considered “safe enough” to be compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
To better understand how these vehicles perceive their surroundings, check out this video showcasing how these cars navigate traffic.
The Legal and Liability Challenges
While this development is an enormous step forward, it brings along new challenges—specifically in the realm of accident liability. If a self-driving car is involved in an accident, who is at fault? Unlike traditional vehicles, there is no human behind the wheel to take responsibility. Suing a vehicle isn’t an option, so would the manufacturer bear the blame? On the other hand, manufacturers could argue that a user’s failure to set up the system correctly is to blame.
Additionally, insurance companies may need to introduce new policies to cover self-driving cars. Will they treat them like human-driven vehicles, or will they require an entirely new category of coverage? The answers to these questions remain unclear, and liability is likely to be a long-term concern as self-driving technology continues to evolve.
Adapting Regulations for Autonomous Vehicles
Another pressing issue is how self-driving cars fit into current Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Many existing regulations were written with human anatomy in mind. For example, braking systems must be “activated using a foot control,” and headlights and turn signals are designed to be operated by hand. Since these cars lack body parts, these regulations may need significant revisions.
According to WIRED, the NHTSA has acknowledged that redefining such standards will require extensive rulemaking, which is a long and complex process. While regulatory changes are inevitable, the process could delay the widespread adoption of self-driving cars.
What’s Next for AI and Self-Driving Cars?
Despite the legal and regulatory hurdles, the recognition of these cars as drivers marks a huge milestone in AI development. It shows that artificial intelligence can be seen as a legitimate force in operating vehicles, which could extend to other industries in the future.
Though Google initially predicted that its self-driving car would be available to the public by 2020, progress has taken longer than expected. Even so, advancements in AI and automation continue to bring us closer to a future where these cars are a normal part of everyday life.
Would you feel comfortable riding in a self-driving car? How do you feel about sharing the road with them?
