Autonomous driving has made huge strides in recent years, radically transforming the transport sector. Among the leading companies in this field, Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet (Google), has launched its robotaxis, with the aim of providing a safer and more reliable alternative to human driving. A recent study compared the safety of Waymo robotaxis with that of human drivers, showing that autonomous vehicles could significantly reduce road accidents. But how far are the robotaxis Waymo really safer? In this article we will look at the data available, the challenges ahead and the future of autonomous driving.
Waymo and autonomous driving technology
Waymo uses an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system combined with sensors, radar, cameras and LiDAR technology to monitor the surrounding environment and make driving decisions in real time. These vehicles are designed to comply with the rules of the road, predict other users’ behaviour and adapt to traffic conditions.
The main advantages of Waymo technology include:
- RAdvanced detection: LiDAR and radar sensors allow robotaxis to “see” 360 degrees, identifying pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles and obstacles with extreme precision.
- Immediate reactions: the artificial intelligence system is able to make decisions in milliseconds, reducing the risk of human error.
- Compliance with regulations: unlike human drivers, robotaxis do not break the traffic code, do not exceed speed limits and do not drive in a state of intoxication or distraction.
The safety study of Robotaxi Waymo
A study by Swiss Re examined the safety performance of Waymo robotaxis compared to human drivers, revealing surprising results:
- 88% reduction in property damage claims.
- Claims for personal injury decreased by 92%.
- Accident rate 90% lower than human drivers.
According to the report, Waymo’s robotaxis are significantly less involved in accidents than human-driven vehicles. This is due to their ability to detect hazards more accurately and avoid risk situations.
Comparison with human drivers
Human drivers, despite their experience and cognitive abilities, are prone to errors which can be fatal. The main causes of accidents related to human driving include:
- Distraction: Smartphone use, conversation with passengers and other distractions compromise attention to the driver.
- Speeding: many accidents are caused by not complying with speed limits.
- Driving while drunk: alcohol and drugs reduce the driver’s reaction capacity and judgment.
- Fatigue: Drowsiness is a major cause of road accidents, especially on long journeys.
Waymo robotaxis, on the other hand, completely eliminate these risk factors. Their technology is designed to maintain safe driving behaviour in every situation, without being affected by tiredness or distraction.
The challenges of autonomous driving
Despite significant progress, robotaxis are not free from challenges and limitations:
- Adaptation to adverse weather conditions: heavy rain, snow and fog can affect the ability of sensors to detect the surrounding environment.
- Interaction with unpredictable road users: cyclists, pedestrians and other drivers may behave in ways that are difficult to predict.
- Public acceptance: many people are still sceptical about the safety of autonomous vehicles and prefer to rely on human driving.
- Regulations and regulations: Autonomous driving is still to be regulated in many countries, and the regulations vary from region to region.
The future of Robotaxi Waymo
With continued technological developments and investment in the sector, the future of autonomous driving looks promising. Waymo is expanding its robotaxi service in several cities in the United States, with the aim of making transport safer and more efficient. In the future, we may see:
- Large-scale adoption of robotaxis in the metropolis.
- Reduction in the number of road accidents due to autonomous driving.
- A positive impact on the environment, as many robotaxis are electric and reduce CO2 emissions.
- Increased investment in research and development to further improve technology and address current challenges.
Conclusion
Data suggests that Waymo robotaxis could be a breakthrough in road safety, reducing the number of accidents compared to human driving. Although there are still obstacles to overcome, technological progress and the evidence gathered so far indicate that autonomous driving could become a reality in our cities. The challenge now is to convince the public and institutions that this technology can really improve road safety and revolutionise the way we move every day.
