13 Surprising Ways Self-Driving Cars Are Shaping Tomorrow’s Commutes

Self-driving cars are becoming an even bigger trend in the automotive world. Tesla has already fitted several of its vehicles with its system, while other manufacturers, such as Ford, are starting to do the same.

However, the systems have proven controversial. Tesla has likely been the cause of several accidents, while some drivers abuse them and attempt to make them do more than they are capable of.

This list contains a few things to watch for regarding those systems and cars and why they are significant. How dominant self-driving becomes in the future remains to be seen.

There Are Six Levels Of Autonomy

The Society of Automotive Engineers has drawn up a list of six levels for autonomous vehicles, ranging from zero to five. Level zero is, of course, no autonomy, so your regular cars, for example. Level five brings us up to the highest level of autonomation, where the vehicle can drive in all conditions without a driver.

However, the United States has only allowed cars with up to level four autonomy on public roads. Level four means a vehicle can drive in all conditions independently, but a driver will have to take control at some point.

Self-Driving Systems Do Not Replace Drivers

As of the time of writing, self-driving systems do not currently act as complete replacements for drivers and their inputs. This is a common mistake many have when it comes to self-driving. They can put their feet up and let the car do everything for them.

Several accidents and mishaps have occurred because people believe they are no longer required to pay attention to the road. That's why, should a driver need to take control of a car suddenly, they can do so, which will stop the self-driving system and give the human back control.

Tesla Recently Recalled Its Self-Driving Technology

To highlight the current issues, Tesla had to recall its self-driving beta technology in all its electric vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) claimed it was unsafe, despite Tesla advertising that it was not a driver replacement.

Tesla states in its advertising material, “Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capability are intended for use with a fully attentive driver, who has their hands on the wheel and is prepared to take over at any moment,” something that many users seem to ignore.

Self-Driving Systems Have Caused Harm

Self-driving systems were in the news in 2023 for all the wrong reasons. In the fall of that year, a robotaxi in San Francisco struck and dragged a pedestrian hit by another vehicle. The taxi itself was using the General Motors elf-driving Cruise unit.

This incident caused GM to pause its rollout and determine what had gone wrong. It isn't the first time something like this has happened, with a woman in Tempe, Arizona, involved when her self-driving Uber hit and killed a pedestrian. She was charged with negligent homicide and said to have been distracted by her phone.

Driverless Cars Are Prone To Rear-End Accidents

A study in Direct Science examined various motor vehicle accidents, including those caused by or involving self-driving cars. The study found that 64.2% of autonomous vehicle accidents were rear-end collisions.

This was a massive increase in 28.3% of conventional vehicle accidents involving rear-end collisions. While self-driving cars could improve over time, their reactions in some situations are not quite as strong as those of a human behind the wheel.

Self-Driving Cars Could Cause Insurance Issues

One of the key questions surrounding the future of self-driving cars is that of insurance. Should an accident occur with a driver onboard but in a self-driving car, who exactly would be to blame? The obvious answer in several real-life situations appears to lean towards the driver.

However, these systems clearly have faults, so they could go straight back to the manufacturer. Some manufacturers have already confirmed that they will provide their form of insurance for self-driving vehicles, with Volvo one of the first to do so.

Hacking Into Self-Driving Cars

One of the less talked about but also scary issues involving self-driving cars is hacking. As they run off computers to get around and do not necessarily need any direct driver input, it is possible for someone to hack into a car and potentially use it to cause harm, with or without a driver inside.

This has, in fact, already happened with an electric car. In 2015, two people managed to remotely hack into a Tesla Model S in Las Vegas to test out how strong its security was. Their success shows that it's a problem worth paying attention to in the future.

There Are Huge Concerns From Consumers With Self-Driving Cars

While manufacturers are doing their best to allay fears of self-driving systems and their issues, that doesn't seem to have helped. A Forbes Advisor study conducted in early 2024 shows that 93% of Americans have concerns with some aspects of self-driving cars.

Safety and technology malfunctions were at the top of the list of issues. The study also said up to 81% of Americans haven't even been in a self-driving car, and 61% wouldn't trust a self-driving car with their loved ones or children in it.

Attention Issues Behind The Wheel

One of the biggest issues with self-driving cars is their name. The term “self-driving” suggests that they do not need a driver to pay attention and that the car will take care of itself, but that's not the case.

Several accidents have already resulted in this scenario, and vehicle testing in the United States has also shown that drivers pay less attention to their surroundings. This could potentially lead to drivers forgetting some basic driving skills.

Tesla's Autopilot Does Not Have A Good Track Record

Tesla's Autopilot system is the most prominent of all the self-driving systems currently available. However, in April 2024, U.S. auto-safety regulators found that Tesla's Autopilot had been responsible for or involved in at least 13 fatal road accidents.

The NHTSA report also revealed that Autopilot's reality did not match Tesla's claims about the software. The NHTSA also called into question whether the safeguards surrounding the self-driving/autopilot systems were adequate.

Self-Driving Systems Are Still Quite New

Something that is easily forgotten amidst all the talk and hype of self-driving is that, in reality, these systems are still incredibly new. Few exist on automobiles, and the fact Tesla has called it a beta and not rolled it out to everyone shows how new it still is.

While testing it in the real world is the best way to resolve any issues, the incidents have revealed there is still a long way to go. It would appear that a lot more testing is required if they are to be a big success.

Full Self-Driving Cars Are A Long Way Away

Due to persistent issues and the lack of awareness by some of those using them, self-driving cars are clearly some time away. Then, you have to ask whether introducing one is a good idea.

In an ideal world, the systems evolve to be as safe as possible and are almost foolproof. But even then, someone is likely to abuse the system, which will inevitably lead to an accident one day.

Do We Need Self-Driving Cars?

The question of whether we need self-driving cars is a big one. There is some interest in the software and making it a reality, but it would appear to throw up wave after wave of issues. Plus, humans have been getting around by driving their own cars for decades; why change now?

Road infrastructure and roads could need massive changes to accommodate mass self-driving travel. It is also arguable that the automotive industry needs to focus on other things, such as more environmentally friendly cars, production methods, and smaller cars.