The idea of getting into a car and turning overall control and allowing the car to drive itself makes many uncomfortable. However, since autonomous vehicles (AVs) don’t get distracted or drunk, could they be a viable solution to reduce drunk driving-related accidents?
Cars that drive themselves were once a matter of science fiction. However, self-driving vehicles are taking the world by storm. Researchers forecast that approximately 33 million AVs will hit the road by 2040.
AV Taxi services
Google Maps is now allowing you to hail a taxi digitally via the self-driving car service, Waymo One. Many other companies are racing to enter the driverless vehicle market. Waymo One currently has a fleet of 600 fully autonomous vehicles, with about 300 to 400 of those servicing the Phoenix, Arizona, area. If one has had too much to drink, ordering a taxi pickup that is automatically driven could be a life-saving solution.
The obstacle of stigma
The current obstacle is not the safety record of AVs, but people’s willingness to use them. According to U.S. News, 75% of people would rather drive their own car than ride in a driverless taxi. When a person becomes intoxicated their reasoning and decision-making capabilities are impaired. The unwillingness to accept help from an AV when sober could be compounded when inebriated. However, with the global AV market currently being at $54 billion, AVs are undoubtedly here to stay and should be considered as a tool to avoid drunk driving.
If driverless taxi services have come along a little too late for you, it can be helpful to have professional guidance that is experienced in defending those accused of drunk driving.