Waymo, which pointedly stopped using the term “self-driving” to describe its technology this year, has released a study intended to prove that its robot drivers are safer than humans.
Why it matters: With about 40,000 Americans dying in vehicle accidents every year, AV operators are trying to convince consumers and regulators that autonomous vehicles would make the roads safer.
What’s happening: Waymo, which operates a limited driverless taxi service near Phoenix, reconstructed 72 fatal accidents that occurred over the past decade in its geo-fenced operating area.
What we know: Waymo’s autonomous technology avoided or mitigated collisions in almost all cases.
Be smart: Waymo’s research is helpful, but not definitive.
Instead, they must be specifically programmed not just to obey laws but also to prioritize safety over speed and convenience.
The bottom line: AVs could be safer — and slower.
This content was originally published here.
