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 the passage:

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 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.

Answer 1

The Impact of Technology on Driving: A Focus on Automated Vehicles

The advent of automated vehicles (AVs), particularly driverless trucks, is revolutionizing the transportation industry and consequently reshaping the way we think about driving. By utilizing advanced technology, these vehicles are addressing key challenges in logistics, safety, and efficiency. In this essay, we will explore the various effects that technology is having on driving, specifically in relation to automated vehicles and their potential to transform the landscape of transportation.

At the heart of automated driving technology is a sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) system that processes vast amounts of sensory data. This AI, situated in a supercomputer, collects input from various sources, including cameras, sensors, and external tech devices, allowing the vehicle to make instantaneous decisions and navigate complex environments. Remarkably, this processing capability exceeds human reaction times by a factor of fifteen, giving automated vehicles an impressive advantage when it comes to responsiveness and adaptability on the road. Moreover, the inclusion of a dedicated Wi-Fi system ensures that these trucks maintain a stable connection, thereby minimizing the risk of signal loss that could jeopardize operation. This technological framework sets a new standard for the reliability and stability of driving, pushing the boundaries of conventional human-controlled vehicles.

One of the primary incentives for corporations to shift towards driverless fleets is financial efficiency. While the initial investment in driverless technology can be substantial—averaging around $250,000—this cost is often justified by the long-term savings. When comparing the expense of employing human drivers, which encompasses salaries, benefits, and downtime for meals or rest, automated trucks exhibit a more favorable cost structure. Without the need for breaks or downtime, these vehicles can operate continuously and more efficiently, completing deliveries in a fraction of the time it would take a human driver. This increased efficiency not only enhances the operational capacity of logistics providers but also translates into significant cost savings and improved profit margins.

Furthermore, the implications for road safety are perhaps the most compelling argument in favor of AV technology. Human error is a leading factor in a significant proportion of road accidents, particularly in the trucking industry, where the stakes can be incredibly high. Automated trucks, free from the limitations and distractions that plague human drivers—such as fatigue, alcohol, or mobile device usage—stand to reduce the risk of traffic incidents significantly. According to statistics, semitrucks are involved in over half a million auto accidents each year, with one in eight involving human error. The consistent and reliable capabilities of AI technology promise to lower these statistics, with pioneers in the field aiming to develop AV systems that enhance safety for both drivers and pedestrians alike.

In summary, the integration of automated vehicles into our transportation framework is a clear indicator of the profound impact that technology is having on driving. As AI continues to develop and improve, the operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety records of automated trucks present compelling arguments for their adoption. While the prospect of driverless vehicles may evoke concerns about job displacement and loss of traditional driving skills, the benefits they offer—in terms of logistics optimization and accident reduction—are likely to reshape our transportation systems for the better. Ultimately, as AV technology evolves, it is not a matter of “if” we will see fully automated trucks on our roads, but rather “when,” and what that will mean for the future of driving.