AI has been at the forefront of conversation for a while now — between the Internet of Things being a priority for over a decade and language models taking the world by storm, it feels like AI isn’t going away anytime soon.
This is especially true since the advent of self-driving cars. Autonomous vehicles are increasing in popularity for pretty much any industry that can use them. If you’ve been to Dallas, you may have seen autonomous package delivery vehicles roaming the streets. In 2021, Domino’s partnered with Nuro to create an autonomous pizza delivery truck.
And now it’s looking like self-driving long-haul trucks are set to become mainstream sometime this year. But the questions remain: If AI is more A than I, can you really trust them to be on the road with humans? Do you trust autonomous vehicles more than a human being that’s capable of recognizing immediate dangers?
Here we’ll go over some safety statistics of self-driving trucks, the dangers they may pose, and why this issue is so important.
Self-driving car and truck statistics at a glance
Recent data suggests that the global autonomous truck market size was valued at $33 Billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $76 Billion by 2032. Clearly, this technology is here to stay and will only expand, and hopefully, improve.
But despite room for future improvement, the fact of the matter remains that right now the technology is not fit for the road. Articles about recent crashes involving the tech are abundant. In late 2022, an autonomous truck suddenly veered left, cutting across a highway in Arizona, slamming into a cement barricade. A serious crash in Texas exposed just how “unprepared local government and law enforcement are to deal with the new technology” and raises a debate about whether human error plays a role in these accidents.
Other relevant statistics include:
- In 2022, there were approximately 400 crashes involving vehicles with automated driver assist systems.
- Around 75% of Americans want lawmakers to stop autonomous vehicles.
- 93% of Americans cite safety and technology malfunctions as the main source of concern for self-driving cars.
- 61% of Americans wouldn’t trust an autonomous car with their loved ones or children.
Initial data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that self-driving vehicles are more than twice as likely as normal vehicles to become involved in an accident.
The technology is brand new, so while the total number of crashes may be low, the rates of the crashes is what’s concerning. And public opinion is starkly against the technology as a whole. And it’s not hard to imagine why. Is the concept intriguing? Absolutely. Is it road-ready? Not a chance.
Already in our daily lives, 18-wheelers are some of the most feared vehicles on the road. When we see them barrelling down the road at 75 mph, we tend to stay away from them; now we’re supposed to be fine with driving next to them without a driver?
Sure, human drivers cause a lot of accidents through distracted driving, fatigue, drunk driving, and more. But completely removing the personal elements — decision-making and vigilance — from driving is not the answer. That’s not to mention all of the jobs that will soon be on the chopping block as companies save a few bucks by implementing autonomous drivers.
Ultimately, in my opinion, the answer is not letting computers take over behind the wheel, it’s having regulations for truck drivers that are strictly enforced. Truck drivers should be the safest and most regulated people on the road.
It also brings up questions about who would be at fault in the event of an accident involving the technology.
Who is at fault in autonomous car accidents?
In the case of a normal car crash, there are a few parties that can be at fault: One (or more) of the drivers, manufacturers, and repair shops, for example. But with autonomous vehicles, a new contender could enter the ring — the developers.
Of course, there are issues regarding whether the autonomous system was engaged at the time of the crash, whether the human driver was paying attention to the road, if something within the technology or mechanics failed, and other factors. The fact of the matter is that determining the at-fault party will take deeper investigation and be determined on a case-by-case basis, especially given that local laws can vary between states.
Contact Brian Lewis if you’ve been injured in a truck accident
I have over 25 years of experience handling car and truck accident injuries. I dedicate myself to each and every one of my clients, and have secured settlements that help victims recover and move forward in peace, comfort, and safety. Significant bodily harm, disabilities, lost wages, medical debt, and other out-of-pocket costs are just the tip of the iceberg if you’ve been in an accident. Let me help you find justice and recover damages to cover these expenses and more.
Find out the compensation you’re entitled to by scheduling a free consultation today.
