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On October 4, 2018, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) issued a press release titled “Preparing for the Future of Transportation: Automated Vehicles 3.0 (AV 3.0).”

USDOT Secretary Elaine L. Chao said, “The safe integration of automated vehicle technology into our transportation system will increase productivity, facilitate freight movement and create new types of jobs.”

AV 3.0 supports the safe development of automated vehicle technologies by,

• Providing new multi-modal safety guidance
• Reducing policy uncertainty and clarifying roles
• Outlining a process for working with USDOT as technology evolves

The press release clarified the actions which are being taken by the USDOT’s operating administrations, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (For more detailed information, please click on this NHTSA.gov link.)

The NHTSA issued a statement that it is facilitating the safe testing of self-driving technology. “This includes ensuring that the technology undergoes laboratory testing, simulations, and testing on tracks before these vehicles are deployed on public roads.”

Human involvement in AV accidents

Business Insider said on September 5 that many self-driving car accidents have been caused by humans. In California, 81 out of 88 accidents involving AVs were the result of AV drivers.

The Governors Highway Safety Association’s (GHSA’s) new report, Preparing for Automated Vehicles: Traffic Safety Issues for States, analyzes market trends. The report says, “Human operators will still exert significant control and will be able to change their vehicle’s AV level dynamically, just as drivers today can activate or deactivate cruise control.”

“Imperfect human drivers aren’t disappearing anytime soon and even with self-driving technology, they will still be in a position to cause crashes, deaths, and injuries on our roads,” said Jonathan Adkins, GHSA Executive Director. “As autonomous vehicle technology advances, states still must invest in programs to prioritize safe travel behavior.”

How do AVs work?

Udacity, a life-long learning provider, says there are five core components: 

1. Computer Vision: Camera images find lane lines or track other vehicles on the road.
2. Sensor Fusion: The integration of data from the sensors, like radar and laser, to build a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle’s environment.
3. Localization: The use of sophisticated mathematical algorithms to help orient the vehicles.
4. Path Planning: Finding the maneuver to respond to the environment.
5. Control: The final step where computers cause a vehicle to react to the environment. 

“According to experts, automated vehicles are definitely in our future. Drivers with these vehicles need to be educated on their operation in order to avoid tragic accidents,” said Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. “If you or a loved one is injured in an accident, please contact us. We are available 24/7 to assist you.”

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney,Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.