Are Self-Driving Cars Finally Ready for Public Roads?
Humpy Adepu
Technology Progress – Advances in sensors, AI, and machine learning have significantly improved self-driving car navigation, object detection, and decision-making.
Testing Milestones – Companies like Tesla, Waymo, and Cruise are conducting millions of autonomous miles on public roads to ensure safety.
Regulatory Challenges – Governments worldwide are still developing rules, permits, and safety standards for autonomous vehicles to operate on public streets.
Safety Concerns – Accidents involving autonomous vehicles remain rare but spark debates about liability, reliability, and the readiness of full autonomy.
Public Acceptance – Surveys suggest mixed opinions; many people trust partial automation but hesitate to adopt fully driverless cars.
Cost and Accessibility – Self-driving technology is still expensive, limiting widespread adoption; prices are expected to drop with mass production.
Insurance Implications – Autonomous vehicles could shift insurance liability from drivers to manufacturers, requiring new policies and risk assessment models.
Urban Integration – Cities are exploring smart infrastructure and dedicated lanes to accommodate autonomous vehicles safely alongside traditional traffic.
Future Outlook – Experts predict limited deployment in controlled environments first, gradually expanding to broader urban areas as technology matures.