A new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is likely to become a major talking point on the issue of autonomous vehicles. According to the report, Waymo's driverless vehicles operating in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Austin were involved in 68% fewer police-reportable crashes per mile traveled than human drivers.
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is aware of the study. It expects it to receive significant attention from the media, policymakers and advocates seeking to expand the deployment of autonomous vehicles on America's roads. The findings will undoubtedly add momentum to the national conversation surrounding automated driving systems. As more studies like this emerge, pressure will increase on lawmakers and regulators to accelerate the adoption of driverless technology.
However, one critical question remains for motorcyclists: Can these vehicles consistently detect, recognize and safely respond to motorcycles in every driving situation?
While the IIHS report presents encouraging results for Waymo's operations, it also acknowledges shortcomings in the federal data collection system used to monitor crashes involving automated vehicles. Researchers noted that current reporting requirements make it difficult to compare autonomous vehicle performance across companies and emphasized the need for better data as these vehicles become more common.
For the MRF, that need for better data extends beyond overall crash numbers. Motorcycle riders represent a unique challenge for automated driving systems due to our smaller profile and different operating characteristics. Before autonomous vehicles become commonplace, riders deserve confidence that these systems can reliably identify motorcycles and react appropriately.
The MRF has consistently advocated that federal regulators, manufacturers and developers ensure motorcycles are fully considered during the design, testing and deployment of automated driving technologies. As these vehicles expand into more communities, interactions between automated vehicles and motorcycles will become increasingly common.
The MRF remains vigilant in monitoring developments involving autonomous vehicles and will continue working with Congress, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to ensure motorcyclists are not overlooked as this technology advances. Studies like this one will continue to shape the public debate. The MRF will continue to advocate for a simple principle, any technology sharing America's roads must be capable of safely recognizing and responding to motorcycles.
All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. Motorcycle Riders Foundation. All rights reserved.