Automated Vehicles use sensors and computer systems to drive themselves. Often called "self-driving" cars, AVs partially or entirely remove the need for a driver to control the vehicle. In 2018, the Oregon Legislature designated the Oregon Department of Transportation to be the lead agency coordinating autonomous vehicle programs and policies in Oregon.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 94 percent of vehicle crashes are caused by human error. The majority of crashes are caused by 1) recognition errors, where drivers are not paying attention to the road or the vehicles around them; and, 2) decision errors, such as speeding, performing illegal maneuvers and misjudging gaps between vehicles or others’ speed. Automated vehicles could eliminate the majority of these crashes.

While automated vehicle systems require much more testing and validation before they are ready for commercial deployment, engineers are working to ensure they drive safely, closely follow traffic laws, and respond appropriately to changing road conditions. Automated vehicles do not get distracted and can monitor their environment in 360-degree, high-precision 3D, unlike a human.

Automated vehicles can also provide increased mobility to seniors, children, people with disabilities and others who are unable or choose not to drive. They could operate more efficiently than conventional vehicles, reducing congestion and emissions.

Oregon does not currently regulate AV testing, but the voluntary notification process allows ODOT to provide safety information to interested companies on work zones and lane closures on proposed test routes and dates. It also enables us to solicit feedback from AV system developers on how to engage the industry, and to track the progress of AV testing in the state.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

The development of AV technology could spur an economic revolution on the scale of the invention of the internal combustion engine or the invention of the personal computer. AVs could free up resources in the economy currently used by drivers and law enforcemnt ("send my speeding ticket to Google -- I was asleep") as well as reduce insurance premiums. Also, by making driving more efficient, incrmental gains can be made in reducing the cost of shipping.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2021-07-02 17:00:42

Last Update: 2021-07-02 17:00:45