Automated Vehicles (AVs) are becoming more common. Technology plays a large part in driverless vehicles.

Question

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. passage: 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!

Answer 1

The Impact of Technology on Driving: The Emergence of Automated Vehicles

The evolution of technology has significantly reshaped the landscape of driving, with automated vehicles (AVs) leading the way in this transformation. Traditionally, obtaining a driver's license has been a rite of passage for teenagers in the United States, symbolizing freedom and independence. However, the emergence of AVs suggests that this conventional milestone may soon change, raising questions about the future of driving, safety, and societal norms.

One of the most compelling arguments for the introduction of AVs is their potential to enhance safety on the roads. Human error, which is the leading cause of motor vehicle accidents, poses a significant risk, especially among teenage drivers. According to the provided texts, teenage drivers are particularly susceptible to mistakes, often resulting in serious accidents. With AV technology, vehicles are controlled by supercomputers that do not suffer from impairments such as distractions, fatigue, or intoxication. For instance, more than half of teenage auto accident-related injuries and fatalities are linked to alcohol consumption. Driverless cars, operating under sober and consistent programming, could potentially eliminate drunk driving as a major concern (Passage 1).

Moreover, AVs could also address issues related to seat belt usage, which is another significant factor in teenage driving fatalities. Nearly half of teenagers aged 16-19 who died in crashes in 2018 were not wearing seatbelts. With automated vehicles, systems could be designed to ensure that passengers are buckled in before the car can operate, thereby encouraging safer habits among young people (Passage 1). The potential of AVs to automatically enforce these safety measures illustrates the technological advancements making roadways safer.

While the promise of AVs is enticing, it is critical to approach this technology with caution. Current statistics indicate that self-driving cars, despite their technological prowess, still have a higher rate of accidents compared to human-driven vehicles. According to Maria Martin, as of February 2021, there are 9.1 self-driving car accidents per million miles driven, in contrast to 4.1 accidents per million miles for conventional vehicles. This data raises important questions about the current readiness of automated driving technology (Passage 2). Thus, while AVs show extraordinary potential for improving road safety, there is an undeniable need for further research and development.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) plays a critical role in this ongoing development. Committed to ensuring the safety of AVs, the NHTSA collaborates with creators and stakeholders in the automotive industry to analyze and enhance this technology. Their focus on understanding whether humans or computers make safer drivers is pivotal in shaping the future of transportation (Passage 2).

In conclusion, technology is revolutionizing the way we think about driving, particularly with the evolution of automated vehicles. Though the prospect of AVs offers promising safety improvements, particularly for high-risk populations like teenagers, challenges remain in terms of reliability and accident rates. As technological innovations continue to develop, it is essential to strike a balance between embracing these advancements and maintaining rigorous safety standards to protect all road users. The journey toward safer roads driven by technology is just beginning, and it is imperative that stakeholders remain vigilant and committed to improving the systems that will shape the future of driving.