Texas is known for many great things, but one aspect that leaves much to be desired is its crash rates. If you live in this state, you know all too well the reckless and dangerous driving habits that are all too common on the roads.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recognizes the issue and has proposed solutions that involve increasing the use of autonomous vehicles. While there’s no denying that these vehicles could potentially decrease the number of accidents on Texas roads, it’s necessary to weigh the benefits against the drawbacks.
WHAT ARE AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES?
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) can navigate roads using advanced technology that mimics the various behaviors of a human driver. These vehicles use sensors and cameras to assess the environment around them and make decisions rooted in safety rather than emotions or distractions. The hope is that as more autonomous vehicles hit the roads, accidents caused by human error will decline.
THE NHTSA’S STANCE ON AVS
The NHTSA also recognizes that with the steps taken to secure the safety of passengers in autonomous vehicles, it’s likely that the number of accidents caused by driver distraction will also decrease. This presents a considerable advantage for Texans, as the state currently imposes a handheld device ban while driving, but not everyone abides by it.
ADVANTAGES OF AVS
Another advantage of autonomous vehicles is that they could potentially reduce traffic. With advanced vehicle-to-vehicle communication, autonomous vehicles could optimize their speed and placement on the road to prevent collisions and congestion. This would lead to a more efficient traffic flow on Texas roads, allowing residents to reach their destinations more quickly and safely.
DRAWBACKS OF AVS
However, it’s important to note that the technology used in autonomous vehicles is still relatively new and has yet to be perfected. As with any new technology, there is a lot of room for error that could mean it won’t deliver on expectations. It still needs to be determined how autonomous vehicles will handle certain situations that human drivers are capable of, such as understanding and reacting to hand signals from other drivers or police officers.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE POWER
Given the severity and prevalence of accidents on the roads in Texas, it’s clear that change is necessary. Autonomous vehicles may seem like the perfect way to tackle this issue, but there are still a few unknown variables to consider. As the technology develops, Texans should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of autonomous vehicles to determine if it’s a solution that can stand the test of time in making the roads safer.
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