Autonomous Car - Benefits

Benefits

Autonomous cars are not in widespread use, but their introduction could produce several direct advantages:

• Fewer traffic collisions, due to the autonomous system's increased reliability and decreased reaction time compared to human drivers.
• Increased roadway capacity and reduced traffic congestion due to reduced need of safety gaps and the ability to better manage traffic flow.
• Relief of vehicle occupants from driving and navigation chores.
• Removal of constraints on occupants' state - it would not matter if the occupants were under age, over age, blind, distracted, intoxicated, or otherwise impaired.
• Alleviation of parking scarcity as cars could drop off passengers, park far away where space is not scarce, and return as needed to pick up passengers.
• Elimination of redundant passengers - humans are not required to take the car anywhere, as the robotic car can drive independently to wherever it is required. This would be especially relevant to trucks, taxis and car-sharing services.
• Reduction of space required for vehicle parking.
• Reduction in the need for traffic police and vehicle insurance.
• Reduction of physical road signage - autonomous cars could receive necessary communication electronically (although physical signs may still be required for any human drivers).