Question
The Next Big Thing
By Tess Wallace
It’s become a rite of passage in the United States. Somewhere around the age of sixteen, teenagers often get their driver’s license and move one step closer to adulthood. Thanks to the invention of the automobile this phenomenon has been commonplace for the last century. Teens get licensed and often find new freedom and independence from their parents, but this may all change soon. Drivers may not need licenses because we may be living in a world of cars controlled by supercomputers. Experts argue that this will change society for the better and be an especially positive move forward in the world of transportation and teens.
Driverless cars, also known as Automated Vehicles (AV), are on the cusp of taking over our roadways. Several companies are developing these high-tech vehicles. They claim they will solve the problems associated with teen drivers. These lofty assertions have led to one big question: How safe are driverless cars?
There are obvious safety advantages to a supercomputer controlling a vehicle rather than a teenager. To begin with, computers don’t consume alcohol. More than half of the injuries and deaths of teens due to auto accidents were alcohol related. Proponents of the driverless car note that drunk driving could quickly become a non-issue. Sober computers could save countless lives.
Another large contributor to teen deaths in car accidents is due to a failure to wear seatbelts. Nearly half of the teens between the ages of 16-19 that were killed in crashes in 2018 were unrestrained. With driverless cars, passengers may be required to buckle up while the car is in operation. This could encourage seat belt use among teens.
Human error is the primary cause of motor vehicle accidents. The fact that human driving errors are a leading cause of crashes is precisely why developers of the AV believe that driverless cars have the potential to be safer. They argue that computers don’t make errors. Technology is consistent and reliable when programmed to complete tasks. They believe that the challenge is in programming automated vehicles to know how to respond to every possible situation it may face. Developers claim this is possible.
The data is indisputable—teenage drivers are involved in and die more often in automobile accidents than drivers in any other age group. Yet, it is also clear that while supercomputers may have the potential to be safer drivers than humans, automated vehicles are not safer yet. According to Maria Martin in her article, 29 Must-Know Self-Driving Statistics, published in February of 2021, “…self-driving cars have a higher rate of accidents compared to human-driven cars, but the injuries are less serious. On average, there are 9.1 self-driving car accidents per million miles driven, while the same rate is 4.1 crashes per million miles for regular vehicles.”
It is crucial that driverless technology continue to be developed and studied. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the government entity responsible for highway safety, is committed to that cause. They are actively studying this issue and working alongside the creators of automated vehicles to ensure public safety. They are determined to answer the question, “Who is a safer driver? Humans or computers?” Until then...teens, keep practicing for that driving test!
WRITING TASK
Automated Vehicles (AVs) are becoming more common. Technology plays a large part in driverless vehicles.
Think about the ideas in the two passages, and then write an explanatory essay in your own words about the effects technology is having on driving.
Be sure to use information from BOTH texts in your explanatory essay. Write your answer in the space provided.
Before you write, be sure to:
think about ideas, facts, definitions, details, and other information and examples you want to use;
think about how you will introduce your topic and what the main topic will be for each paragraph;
develop your ideas clearly and use your own words, except when quoting directly from the source texts;
be sure to identify the sources by title or number when using details or facts directly from the sources.
Now write your explanatory essay in the space provided. Be sure to:
use information from the two texts so that your essay includes important details;
introduce the topic clearly, provide a focus, and organize information in a way that makes sense;
develop the topic with facts, definitions, details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic;
use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion;
clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts;
use clear language and vocabulary to inform about the topic;
provide a conclusion that follows the information presented; and
check your work for correct grammar, usage, capitalization, spelling, and punctuation.
Please use two line spaces (using the "enter" key twice) between each paragraph.
By Tess Wallace
It’s become a rite of passage in the United States. Somewhere around the age of sixteen, teenagers often get their driver’s license and move one step closer to adulthood. Thanks to the invention of the automobile this phenomenon has been commonplace for the last century. Teens get licensed and often find new freedom and independence from their parents, but this may all change soon. Drivers may not need licenses because we may be living in a world of cars controlled by supercomputers. Experts argue that this will change society for the better and be an especially positive move forward in the world of transportation and teens.
Driverless cars, also known as Automated Vehicles (AV), are on the cusp of taking over our roadways. Several companies are developing these high-tech vehicles. They claim they will solve the problems associated with teen drivers. These lofty assertions have led to one big question: How safe are driverless cars?
There are obvious safety advantages to a supercomputer controlling a vehicle rather than a teenager. To begin with, computers don’t consume alcohol. More than half of the injuries and deaths of teens due to auto accidents were alcohol related. Proponents of the driverless car note that drunk driving could quickly become a non-issue. Sober computers could save countless lives.
Another large contributor to teen deaths in car accidents is due to a failure to wear seatbelts. Nearly half of the teens between the ages of 16-19 that were killed in crashes in 2018 were unrestrained. With driverless cars, passengers may be required to buckle up while the car is in operation. This could encourage seat belt use among teens.
Human error is the primary cause of motor vehicle accidents. The fact that human driving errors are a leading cause of crashes is precisely why developers of the AV believe that driverless cars have the potential to be safer. They argue that computers don’t make errors. Technology is consistent and reliable when programmed to complete tasks. They believe that the challenge is in programming automated vehicles to know how to respond to every possible situation it may face. Developers claim this is possible.
The data is indisputable—teenage drivers are involved in and die more often in automobile accidents than drivers in any other age group. Yet, it is also clear that while supercomputers may have the potential to be safer drivers than humans, automated vehicles are not safer yet. According to Maria Martin in her article, 29 Must-Know Self-Driving Statistics, published in February of 2021, “…self-driving cars have a higher rate of accidents compared to human-driven cars, but the injuries are less serious. On average, there are 9.1 self-driving car accidents per million miles driven, while the same rate is 4.1 crashes per million miles for regular vehicles.”
It is crucial that driverless technology continue to be developed and studied. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the government entity responsible for highway safety, is committed to that cause. They are actively studying this issue and working alongside the creators of automated vehicles to ensure public safety. They are determined to answer the question, “Who is a safer driver? Humans or computers?” Until then...teens, keep practicing for that driving test!
WRITING TASK
Automated Vehicles (AVs) are becoming more common. Technology plays a large part in driverless vehicles.
Think about the ideas in the two passages, and then write an explanatory essay in your own words about the effects technology is having on driving.
Be sure to use information from BOTH texts in your explanatory essay. Write your answer in the space provided.
Before you write, be sure to:
think about ideas, facts, definitions, details, and other information and examples you want to use;
think about how you will introduce your topic and what the main topic will be for each paragraph;
develop your ideas clearly and use your own words, except when quoting directly from the source texts;
be sure to identify the sources by title or number when using details or facts directly from the sources.
Now write your explanatory essay in the space provided. Be sure to:
use information from the two texts so that your essay includes important details;
introduce the topic clearly, provide a focus, and organize information in a way that makes sense;
develop the topic with facts, definitions, details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic;
use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion;
clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts;
use clear language and vocabulary to inform about the topic;
provide a conclusion that follows the information presented; and
check your work for correct grammar, usage, capitalization, spelling, and punctuation.
Please use two line spaces (using the "enter" key twice) between each paragraph.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
**The Impact of Technology on Driving: The Rise of Automated Vehicles**
The emergence of Automated Vehicles (AVs) marks a significant shift in the landscape of driving and transportation. As technology continues to advance, the potential for driverless cars to enhance safety and efficiency becomes increasingly apparent. This essay will explore the effects of technology on driving by examining the advantages offered by AVs, the current challenges they face, and the ongoing efforts to improve their safety, drawing insight from Tess Wallace's article, "The Next Big Thing," and Maria Martin's research on self-driving statistics.
One of the most prominent benefits of AV technology is the potential for increased safety on the roads. According to Wallace, driverless cars can eliminate dangerous behaviors commonly associated with teenage drivers, such as drunk driving. Statistics indicate that alcohol plays a significant role in teen driving accidents. With supercomputers at the helm, these vehicles would not be susceptible to intoxication, potentially reducing the number of alcohol-related fatalities. Moreover, automated vehicles could encourage the use of seatbelts, as passengers might be required to buckle up for the car to operate, addressing another crucial factor contributing to teen deaths in crashes.
In addition to reducing risky behavior, AVs aim to mitigate accidents caused by human error, which is the leading factor in motor vehicle incidents. Wallace emphasizes that computers, when programmed correctly, can execute driving tasks more consistently and reliably than humans. This technology could drastically lower the overall accident rate by eliminating mistakes that stem from distractions, fatigue, or misjudgments. However, as noted by Maria Martin, the current safety record of AVs reveals a different story. While AVs report that injuries from their collisions tend to be less severe, they still experience a higher rate of accidents compared to traditional vehicles, with 9.1 self-driving car accidents per million miles driven in contrast to 4.1 accidents for human-driven cars. This disparity highlights the ongoing need for improvements in AV technology to achieve true safety benefits.
Despite the challenges presented by the early stages of AV deployment, the commitment to enhance this technology remains strong. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) plays a pivotal role in driving this progress, conducting thorough studies to assess the safety of automated vehicles. As outlined by Wallace, they are collaborating with the creators of these vehicles to find conclusive answers regarding the overall security of human drivers versus machines. It is evident that advancing technology in the realm of driving necessitates continued research and development to ensure public safety before these vehicles can fully replace traditional cars.
In conclusion, technology is profoundly reshaping the future of driving through the development and introduction of automated vehicles. From the potential to reduce alcohol-related accidents and improve seatbelt compliance to the need for enhanced programming to lower accident rates, AVs present numerous advantages and challenges. As ongoing studies and technological refinements strive to address these issues, the hope for a safer driving experience becomes more attainable. As we navigate this transition period, teenagers and all drivers must continue to adapt to changes in technology while promoting safe driving practices.
The emergence of Automated Vehicles (AVs) marks a significant shift in the landscape of driving and transportation. As technology continues to advance, the potential for driverless cars to enhance safety and efficiency becomes increasingly apparent. This essay will explore the effects of technology on driving by examining the advantages offered by AVs, the current challenges they face, and the ongoing efforts to improve their safety, drawing insight from Tess Wallace's article, "The Next Big Thing," and Maria Martin's research on self-driving statistics.
One of the most prominent benefits of AV technology is the potential for increased safety on the roads. According to Wallace, driverless cars can eliminate dangerous behaviors commonly associated with teenage drivers, such as drunk driving. Statistics indicate that alcohol plays a significant role in teen driving accidents. With supercomputers at the helm, these vehicles would not be susceptible to intoxication, potentially reducing the number of alcohol-related fatalities. Moreover, automated vehicles could encourage the use of seatbelts, as passengers might be required to buckle up for the car to operate, addressing another crucial factor contributing to teen deaths in crashes.
In addition to reducing risky behavior, AVs aim to mitigate accidents caused by human error, which is the leading factor in motor vehicle incidents. Wallace emphasizes that computers, when programmed correctly, can execute driving tasks more consistently and reliably than humans. This technology could drastically lower the overall accident rate by eliminating mistakes that stem from distractions, fatigue, or misjudgments. However, as noted by Maria Martin, the current safety record of AVs reveals a different story. While AVs report that injuries from their collisions tend to be less severe, they still experience a higher rate of accidents compared to traditional vehicles, with 9.1 self-driving car accidents per million miles driven in contrast to 4.1 accidents for human-driven cars. This disparity highlights the ongoing need for improvements in AV technology to achieve true safety benefits.
Despite the challenges presented by the early stages of AV deployment, the commitment to enhance this technology remains strong. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) plays a pivotal role in driving this progress, conducting thorough studies to assess the safety of automated vehicles. As outlined by Wallace, they are collaborating with the creators of these vehicles to find conclusive answers regarding the overall security of human drivers versus machines. It is evident that advancing technology in the realm of driving necessitates continued research and development to ensure public safety before these vehicles can fully replace traditional cars.
In conclusion, technology is profoundly reshaping the future of driving through the development and introduction of automated vehicles. From the potential to reduce alcohol-related accidents and improve seatbelt compliance to the need for enhanced programming to lower accident rates, AVs present numerous advantages and challenges. As ongoing studies and technological refinements strive to address these issues, the hope for a safer driving experience becomes more attainable. As we navigate this transition period, teenagers and all drivers must continue to adapt to changes in technology while promoting safe driving practices.
add this article to : Driverless trucks and AV (Automated Vehicles) are controlled by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) supercomputer. This computer takes in outside stimulus from sensors, cameras, and tech devices strapped to the outside of the truck and processes all the information at a rate that is fifteen times faster than the average human. They have their own Wi-Fi system within the truck so that they are not at risk of losing a signal and compromising their entire system. With features like these, it’s easy to wonder if the robots really are taking over and why we may or may not want them to do so.
It may surprise you to hear the primary motivators for corporations to use automated trucks rather than those operated by real humans—companies are pushing for more reliable technology in automated trucks so that they can convert to driverless fleets. Why do they want driverless fleets? There are three main reasons—cost, efficiency, and safety.
The Reason Driverless Trucks Are in the Fast Lane of Development
The average cost for the driverless technology on these big rigs is $250,000. At first glance, a quarter of a million dollars for a vehicle sounds outrageous. Surprisingly though, it pales in comparison to the cost of hiring and paying a driver for several years. When the annual salary and benefit packages are combined, the cost of the driverless technology pays for itself in less than five years.
In addition, a driverless truck doesn’t have the limits a human does. There is no need to stop for food or sleep, and a truck doesn’t need sick days or vacation days. Therefore, an automated truck can transport cargo twice as fast and complete three times more driving in a week than a truck operated by a human. An added bonus is that these automated trucks are not only time efficient, but they are also fuel efficient by keeping a steady speed and driving straighter. In contrast, a human driver can be a gas guzzler with even minor inconsistencies in braking and steering. All of these efficiencies affect a company’s profit margin and save businesses money by giving them quicker services for less cost.
Last, experts believe that the technology of driverless trucks has the potential to save human lives. You might wonder, “How can a computer possibly be safer than a human?” The answer lies not in what a computer can do, but rather in what humans do. Humans make mistakes. Sadly, in the world of trucking, those errors often result in fatalities. Unlike human drivers, computers don’t drive drunk or text while driving, they don’t fall asleep or get distracted, and they have consistent and reliable responses to stimuli. Humans do not. Over half a million auto accidents each year—or one in every eight automobile accidents—involve a semi-truck. The creators working on driverless technology believe that they will soon be able to offer a product with much better safety statistics. It seems that they are definitely moving in that direction, and it won’t be a matter of if we see a truck cruising along side us missing a driver, but just a matter of when we will see an empty cab.
It may surprise you to hear the primary motivators for corporations to use automated trucks rather than those operated by real humans—companies are pushing for more reliable technology in automated trucks so that they can convert to driverless fleets. Why do they want driverless fleets? There are three main reasons—cost, efficiency, and safety.
The Reason Driverless Trucks Are in the Fast Lane of Development
The average cost for the driverless technology on these big rigs is $250,000. At first glance, a quarter of a million dollars for a vehicle sounds outrageous. Surprisingly though, it pales in comparison to the cost of hiring and paying a driver for several years. When the annual salary and benefit packages are combined, the cost of the driverless technology pays for itself in less than five years.
In addition, a driverless truck doesn’t have the limits a human does. There is no need to stop for food or sleep, and a truck doesn’t need sick days or vacation days. Therefore, an automated truck can transport cargo twice as fast and complete three times more driving in a week than a truck operated by a human. An added bonus is that these automated trucks are not only time efficient, but they are also fuel efficient by keeping a steady speed and driving straighter. In contrast, a human driver can be a gas guzzler with even minor inconsistencies in braking and steering. All of these efficiencies affect a company’s profit margin and save businesses money by giving them quicker services for less cost.
Last, experts believe that the technology of driverless trucks has the potential to save human lives. You might wonder, “How can a computer possibly be safer than a human?” The answer lies not in what a computer can do, but rather in what humans do. Humans make mistakes. Sadly, in the world of trucking, those errors often result in fatalities. Unlike human drivers, computers don’t drive drunk or text while driving, they don’t fall asleep or get distracted, and they have consistent and reliable responses to stimuli. Humans do not. Over half a million auto accidents each year—or one in every eight automobile accidents—involve a semi-truck. The creators working on driverless technology believe that they will soon be able to offer a product with much better safety statistics. It seems that they are definitely moving in that direction, and it won’t be a matter of if we see a truck cruising along side us missing a driver, but just a matter of when we will see an empty cab.
GPT-4o mini
**The Impact of Technology on Driving: The Rise of Automated Vehicles and Driverless Trucks**
The emergence of Automated Vehicles (AVs) and driverless trucks marks a significant shift in the landscape of driving and transportation. As technology continues to advance, the potential for these vehicles to enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability is becoming increasingly apparent. This essay explores the effects of technology on driving by examining the advantages offered by AVs and automated trucks, the economic incentives driving their adoption, and the ongoing challenges they face, drawing insight from Tess Wallace's article, "The Next Big Thing," and additional information about driverless trucks.
One of the most prominent benefits of AV technology, including driverless trucks, is the potential for increased safety on the roads. According to Wallace, driverless cars can eliminate dangerous behaviors commonly associated with teenage drivers, such as drunk driving. Statistics indicate that alcohol plays a significant role in teen driving accidents. With supercomputers at the helm, these vehicles would not be susceptible to intoxication, potentially reducing the number of alcohol-related fatalities. Similarly, driverless trucks operate under the same principle of consistent behavior: they do not drive drunk, text while driving, or lose focus, thus drastically lowering the likelihood of accidents caused by human error.
Furthermore, the technology behind AVs allows for enhanced decision-making processes. Driverless trucks are controlled by AI supercomputers that process information from external stimuli, such as sensors and cameras, at a rate fifteen times faster than the average human. This rapid decision-making capability means that trucks can react in real-time to unpredictable road conditions, enhancing overall safety for both the vehicle and other road users. According to industry experts, the goal is to create driverless technology that provides consistently better safety statistics than human-operated trucks, with fewer accidents and fatalities.
In addition to safety, cost and efficiency play a significant role in the push for driverless trucks. The initial investment of $250,000 for the technology may seem high, but it is outweighed by the long-term savings associated with eliminating the need for human drivers. Human drivers require salaries, benefits, and time off for meals, sleep, and vacations, whereas automated trucks operate continuously without these limitations. This means that they can transport cargo twice as fast and complete three times more driving in a week compared to human-operated trucks. Moreover, automated trucks boast fuel-efficiency advantages due to their ability to maintain a steady speed and drive straighter, further enhancing profitability for businesses.
Despite these advantages, the current landscape indicates that while AVs show promise, they are not yet infallible. As Wallace points out, automated vehicles have not yet surpassed human-driven vehicles in terms of overall safety, with a higher rate of accidents reported. This underscores the importance of continued development and refinement of AV technology. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is actively studying these issues, collaborating with creators of automated vehicles to determine the safest driving option available.
In conclusion, technology is profoundly reshaping the future of driving through the development and implementation of Automated Vehicles and driverless trucks. The benefits of increased safety, cost-efficiency, and operational reliability created by these technologies are compelling, yet challenges remain. As both the technology and regulation surrounding AVs evolve, the hope is that they will lead to a safer and more efficient driving experience. As we navigate this transition period, drivers—whether human or automated—will play critical roles in the future of transportation.
The emergence of Automated Vehicles (AVs) and driverless trucks marks a significant shift in the landscape of driving and transportation. As technology continues to advance, the potential for these vehicles to enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability is becoming increasingly apparent. This essay explores the effects of technology on driving by examining the advantages offered by AVs and automated trucks, the economic incentives driving their adoption, and the ongoing challenges they face, drawing insight from Tess Wallace's article, "The Next Big Thing," and additional information about driverless trucks.
One of the most prominent benefits of AV technology, including driverless trucks, is the potential for increased safety on the roads. According to Wallace, driverless cars can eliminate dangerous behaviors commonly associated with teenage drivers, such as drunk driving. Statistics indicate that alcohol plays a significant role in teen driving accidents. With supercomputers at the helm, these vehicles would not be susceptible to intoxication, potentially reducing the number of alcohol-related fatalities. Similarly, driverless trucks operate under the same principle of consistent behavior: they do not drive drunk, text while driving, or lose focus, thus drastically lowering the likelihood of accidents caused by human error.
Furthermore, the technology behind AVs allows for enhanced decision-making processes. Driverless trucks are controlled by AI supercomputers that process information from external stimuli, such as sensors and cameras, at a rate fifteen times faster than the average human. This rapid decision-making capability means that trucks can react in real-time to unpredictable road conditions, enhancing overall safety for both the vehicle and other road users. According to industry experts, the goal is to create driverless technology that provides consistently better safety statistics than human-operated trucks, with fewer accidents and fatalities.
In addition to safety, cost and efficiency play a significant role in the push for driverless trucks. The initial investment of $250,000 for the technology may seem high, but it is outweighed by the long-term savings associated with eliminating the need for human drivers. Human drivers require salaries, benefits, and time off for meals, sleep, and vacations, whereas automated trucks operate continuously without these limitations. This means that they can transport cargo twice as fast and complete three times more driving in a week compared to human-operated trucks. Moreover, automated trucks boast fuel-efficiency advantages due to their ability to maintain a steady speed and drive straighter, further enhancing profitability for businesses.
Despite these advantages, the current landscape indicates that while AVs show promise, they are not yet infallible. As Wallace points out, automated vehicles have not yet surpassed human-driven vehicles in terms of overall safety, with a higher rate of accidents reported. This underscores the importance of continued development and refinement of AV technology. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is actively studying these issues, collaborating with creators of automated vehicles to determine the safest driving option available.
In conclusion, technology is profoundly reshaping the future of driving through the development and implementation of Automated Vehicles and driverless trucks. The benefits of increased safety, cost-efficiency, and operational reliability created by these technologies are compelling, yet challenges remain. As both the technology and regulation surrounding AVs evolve, the hope is that they will lead to a safer and more efficient driving experience. As we navigate this transition period, drivers—whether human or automated—will play critical roles in the future of transportation.
make it to your own words that you got from the text
GPT-4o mini
**The Impact of Technology on Driving: The Rise of Automated Vehicles and Driverless Trucks**
The introduction of Automated Vehicles (AVs) and driverless trucks represents a transformative shift in transportation. As technology progresses, the potential benefits of these vehicles in terms of safety, efficiency, and operational reliability become increasingly clear. This essay will discuss how technology is changing driving by exploring the advantages of both AVs and driverless trucks, the economic motivations behind their use, and some of the challenges they face, supported by insights from Tess Wallace's article, "The Next Big Thing," along with additional information about driverless trucks.
A significant advantage of AV technology, which also pertains to driverless trucks, is the potential to enhance safety on the roads. Wallace notes that driverless cars could eliminate high-risk behaviors often seen in teenage drivers, such as drinking and driving. This is crucial since alcohol-related accidents are a common issue among young drivers. Similarly, the technology behind driverless trucks ensures that they are not susceptible to distractions or fatigue, unlike human operators. Automated trucks can make split-second decisions more quickly and accurately than humans by relying on advanced AI systems. This capability allows them to respond effectively to changing road conditions, which could lead to fewer accidents and fatalities on the roads.
In addition to improved safety, the economic factors driving the adoption of driverless trucks are noteworthy. The upfront cost for the driverless technology may reach around $250,000, which initially appears steep. However, when compared to the long-term costs associated with employing human drivers, including salaries, benefits, and time off, the investment in automated technology becomes more justifiable. Driverless trucks can operate continuously without breaks for meals or sleep, enabling them to transport goods more quickly and efficiently. They can complete significantly more driving hours each week than their human-driven counterparts, all while also being more fuel-efficient due to their ability to maintain a consistent speed and smooth driving patterns.
Despite these promising advantages, it’s critical to acknowledge that AV technology is still a work in progress. Wallace emphasizes that while automated vehicles have the potential to be safer, they haven't yet surpassed traditional cars in terms of accident rates, indicating the need for further refinement and validation of the technology. Organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are actively researching and collaborating with AV developers to ensure that safety concerns are adequately addressed as the technology evolves.
In conclusion, the development of Automated Vehicles and driverless trucks highlights a significant evolution in the world of driving. Their potential contributions to improving road safety, reducing operational costs, and increasing efficiency are compelling reasons for their ongoing development. However, challenges remain in achieving full reliability and safety. As both the technology and regulatory frameworks surrounding these vehicles continue to advance, they hold the promise of revolutionizing the future of transportation, ultimately benefiting drivers and businesses alike.
The introduction of Automated Vehicles (AVs) and driverless trucks represents a transformative shift in transportation. As technology progresses, the potential benefits of these vehicles in terms of safety, efficiency, and operational reliability become increasingly clear. This essay will discuss how technology is changing driving by exploring the advantages of both AVs and driverless trucks, the economic motivations behind their use, and some of the challenges they face, supported by insights from Tess Wallace's article, "The Next Big Thing," along with additional information about driverless trucks.
A significant advantage of AV technology, which also pertains to driverless trucks, is the potential to enhance safety on the roads. Wallace notes that driverless cars could eliminate high-risk behaviors often seen in teenage drivers, such as drinking and driving. This is crucial since alcohol-related accidents are a common issue among young drivers. Similarly, the technology behind driverless trucks ensures that they are not susceptible to distractions or fatigue, unlike human operators. Automated trucks can make split-second decisions more quickly and accurately than humans by relying on advanced AI systems. This capability allows them to respond effectively to changing road conditions, which could lead to fewer accidents and fatalities on the roads.
In addition to improved safety, the economic factors driving the adoption of driverless trucks are noteworthy. The upfront cost for the driverless technology may reach around $250,000, which initially appears steep. However, when compared to the long-term costs associated with employing human drivers, including salaries, benefits, and time off, the investment in automated technology becomes more justifiable. Driverless trucks can operate continuously without breaks for meals or sleep, enabling them to transport goods more quickly and efficiently. They can complete significantly more driving hours each week than their human-driven counterparts, all while also being more fuel-efficient due to their ability to maintain a consistent speed and smooth driving patterns.
Despite these promising advantages, it’s critical to acknowledge that AV technology is still a work in progress. Wallace emphasizes that while automated vehicles have the potential to be safer, they haven't yet surpassed traditional cars in terms of accident rates, indicating the need for further refinement and validation of the technology. Organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are actively researching and collaborating with AV developers to ensure that safety concerns are adequately addressed as the technology evolves.
In conclusion, the development of Automated Vehicles and driverless trucks highlights a significant evolution in the world of driving. Their potential contributions to improving road safety, reducing operational costs, and increasing efficiency are compelling reasons for their ongoing development. However, challenges remain in achieving full reliability and safety. As both the technology and regulatory frameworks surrounding these vehicles continue to advance, they hold the promise of revolutionizing the future of transportation, ultimately benefiting drivers and businesses alike.