The journey to fully autonomous vehicles has come a long way but there’s still a way to go. As of 2024 most cars on the market offer Level 1 and Level 2 automation features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. These features make driving safer but still require human oversight. Level 3 automation where the car can handle all driving tasks in certain conditions is gaining traction.
Tesla and Ford are testing these systems and Tesla’s Robotaxi service is due to launch later this year. But regulatory hurdles remain. In the UK the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 is creating a legal framework for autonomous vehicles but only up to Level 4 automation, leaving Level 5 fully autonomous vehicles unregulated.
Public perception also plays a big role in the adoption of self-driving cars. Surveys show a large chunk of the population are skeptical about autonomous vehicles and many are waiting for the technology to mature before they consider buying one. And safety is the biggest concern. Incidents involving autonomous vehicles have raised questions about their reliability and the ethics of AI decision making in critical situations.
In conclusion while autonomous vehicle technology is advancing, getting widespread acceptance and regulatory approval for fully self-driving cars is still a work in progress. More innovation and public trust will be key to how fast we get to a world of autonomous transportation.
