Advocates of driverless technology argue that self-driving vehicles are inherently safer due to their ability to eliminate human error, which is a leading cause of auto accidents. Driverless taxis may be generally safer under certain conditions. However, self-driving technology has certain challenges and limitations.
If you were injured in a robotaxi accident, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced car accident attorney who will help you determine liability and hold the liable parties accountable for your injuries and losses. Read on to learn more about the different levels of automation for self-driving cars and whether driverless taxis are safer than human drivers.
What Is a Driverless Taxi?
A driverless taxi, also known as a self-driving taxi or robotaxi, is an autonomous vehicle that provides a ride-hailing service without a human driver at the wheel. These vehicles are equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence (AI) to navigate roads, interpret traffic signals, and make real-time driving decisions. Unlike traditional taxis, driverless taxis operate entirely on pre-programmed algorithms and real-time data processing.
Robotaxis can pick up passengers, transport them to their destinations, and make driving decisions such as changing lanes, stopping at traffic lights, and avoiding road hazards. Self-driving technology companies Waymo One and Cruise are leading competitors in the driverless taxi industry.
What’s the Difference Between Autonomous and Driverless Cars?
The terms “autonomous” and “driverless” are often used interchangeably, but they represent different aspects of vehicle automation. Autonomous cars are vehicles equipped with systems that can perform various driving tasks independently, although they might still require human intervention.
Driverless cars, on the other hand, operate without any human input, relying entirely on their automated systems to navigate and control the vehicle. For instance, a Level 3 autonomous vehicle may require the driver to take control in certain situations, whereas a Level 5 driverless car is fully autonomous.
Levels of Autonomous Driving
Autonomous driving technology is categorized into five levels, each representing a different degree of automation.
Level 0: No Automation
At Level 0, the human driver is entirely responsible for controlling the vehicle, with no assistance from the vehicle’s systems. This level includes traditional vehicles without any automated driving features. Safety relies solely on the driver’s abilities and attentiveness.
Level 1: Driver Assistance
Level 1 automation includes systems that provide minimal assistance, such as lane-keeping assistance or adaptive cruise control. These features support the driver but do not replace them. The driver must remain engaged and ready to take control at all times.
Level 2: Partial Automation
Level 2 vehicles can control the steering, acceleration, and deceleration mechanisms under certain conditions. However, the driver must monitor the environment and be prepared to intervene at any time. The responsibility for safety is shared between the driver and the vehicle’s systems. Tesla’s Autopilot and General Motors’ Super Cruise are examples of level 2 vehicles.
Level 3: Conditional Automation
At Level 3, the vehicle can perform most driving tasks independently, but human intervention is required when the system encounters conditions it cannot handle. The driver must be available to take over when prompted. This level introduces questions about liability and driver readiness.
Level 4: High Automation
Level 4 vehicles can operate independently in specific conditions and environments, such as urban areas or highways, without human intervention. However, they still have a predefined operational domain. Outside these conditions, human control may be necessary.
Level 5: Full Automation
Level 5 vehicles can handle all driving tasks without any human input. These vehicles do not have steering wheels or pedals, as they are designed to operate entirely autonomously in any environment.
Waymo Gets Rid of Waitlist in San Francisco
Waymo recently removed the waitlist for its driverless taxi service in San Francisco, making it accessible to the general public. This move signifies a significant milestone in the adoption of driverless taxis.
Waymo One expanded its driverless ride-hailing services all throughout San Francisco, now offering over 50,000 rides per week across three major urban areas. Notably, San Francisco became the first city in the US to provide paid driverless taxi rides to the public.
In March, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved Waymo’s robotaxis expansion into areas in California, including the peninsula surrounding that city and Los Angeles. Currently, Waymo operates across 63 square miles of Los Angeles, from Santa Monica to Downtown LA. For San Francisco and Los Angeles residents and visitors, this development offers a glimpse into the future of urban transportation, where autonomous vehicles may become a primary mode of transportation in urban cities.
Waymo Safety Statistics
According to recent reports, Waymo’s autonomous vehicles have driven over 3.8 million miles in San Francisco through the end of March 2024. Waymo claims that compared to human drivers, Waymo Driver was involved in 17 fewer crashes with injuries and 12 fewer police-reportable crashes.
According to Waymo, these incidents were often due to a combination of factors, including technical limitations, human error, and complex traffic scenarios. However, it is important to scrutinize these statistics and acknowledge that self-driving technology is not without its challenges and limitations.
Federal Transportation Officials Launch Safety Investigation Into Waymo
Despite the advancements in driverless technology, federal transportation officials discovered 9 recent incidents involving Waymo and have launched safety investigations to ensure Waymo vehicles meet stringent safety standards.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is conducting investigations that involve examining Waymo’s autonomous vehicle software and its ability to avoid collisions with stationary objects and how well it detects and responds to traffic safety control devices like cones. This is crucial for maintaining public trust and addressing any potential safety issues before they lead to accidents.
Cruise’s Driverless Taxis Have Not Return to San Francisco
In October 2023, Cruise’s service was suspended by California’s Department of Motor Vehicles over safety concerns. Cruise is currently under investigation by federal agencies for several incidents in San Francisco, including a crash that seriously injured a pedestrian. A vehicle struck the pedestrian, which sent her in the path of the Cruise vehicle. The Cruise AV then dragged her for 20 feet, causing serious injuries.
Another incident involved a Cruise vehicle colliding with a fire truck. The San Francisco Fire Department claimed the fire department vehicle was on its way to an emergency scene, suggesting that the Cruise vehicle may not have yielded to the emergency vehicle. The company is complying with investigations and self-imposed a pause of all operations nationwide. Cruise also hired a safety officer in an effort to earn the trust back of California regulators.
Who Is Liable in a Driverless Taxi Accident?
Determining liability in self-driving car accidents is complex and involves multiple parties, including the vehicle manufacturer, the software developers, and the designer. Unlike traditional car accidents, liability might be more difficult to determine in crashes involving autonomous vehicles. It’s advisable for personal injury victims to consult with an experienced car accident attorney who can navigate these complexities and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Our Personal Injury Lawyers Represent Car Accident Victims
At Golden State Accident Lawyers, we specialize in representing victims of car accidents, including those involving driverless vehicles. Our experienced personal injury lawyers understand the nuances of autonomous vehicle technology and the legal challenges associated with these complex cases. We are committed to helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.
If you have been involved in an accident with a driverless taxi, we can help you navigate the legal process, investigate the incident, and build a strong case on your behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation.
