Self-Driving Vehicles Could Crash Into A Pedestrian

Technology is getting more and more advanced every day, with recent introductions to the world of technology such as ChatGPT showing us exactly what science is capable of.

While ChatGPT is undoubtedly impressive, it’s not the only recent advancement in technology with self-driving cars becoming more common place. 

In theory, these cars should be making our lives easier, but exactly how safe is it for us to relinquish control of vehicles? 

How Can We Trust Self-Driving Cars Not To Run Into People

So, what classifies a vehicle as self-driving? According to Cosmos Magazine journalist Matthew Agus there are several different categories of automated vehicle. 

“The industry has devised six categories of vehicle automation,” he said.

“The first is called automation level zero. That’s because here there’s no car control. You, the driver, do everything. 

“Level one refers to systems which assist the driver but don’t control the vehicle. These might be things like speed notifications or proximity distant sensors.

“Level two refers to partly automated vehicles. Some level of control might be exercised to perform functions, but the driver is still in overarching control of the vehicle. 

“Level three is where we’re starting to step it up. The vehicle can now control and perform a range of functions, things like putting the indicators on and changing lanes. When you’re stuck in traffic, parking the car, sticking in highway lanes, the driver can take over.” 

The levels continue up until level five, where the occupant is able to sit in the backseat of the car and be driven around by the vehicle, much like a “chauffeur”.

Matthew breaks down the science behind self-driving vehicles and whether we should feel safe handing over our lives to technology. 

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