Self-driving cars cause far fewer accidents than humans

A new study at least suggests that Waymo's self-driving vehicles cause far fewer accidents than human-driven vehicles. The study, carried out in collaboration with reinsurer Swiss Re, shows that the number of insurance claims for Waymo vehicles is significantly lower. Swiss Re analyzed liability claims following collisions involving Waymo's self-driving cars with a total mileage of approximately 40 million kilometers. These figures were compared to data from more than 500,000 insurance claims and more than 320 billion miles traveled by human drivers. Result: Waymo Driver system vehicles resulted in an 88% reduction in property damage claims and a 92% reduction in personal injury claims. The figures do not change significantly when comparing self-driving cars with human-controlled vehicles equipped with the most modern safety features such as automatic emergency braking or blind spot assists. Here too, Waymo systems resulted in 86% less property damage and 90% less personal injury.

Despite the promising results, the study highlights two methodological problems. First, Waymo vehicles are currently only used in urban areas, which account for the majority of accidents in the United States, but do not cover the deadliest collisions in rural areas. Second, the actual operational life of the Waymo fleet is still relatively short, making a comprehensive assessment of long-term security difficult. Although the numbers are promising, the technology is not without its flaws. Over the summer, Waymo had to issue a recall after a self-driving taxi collided with a telephone pole in Phoenix. Although the speed was only 8 mph, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation. 24 incidents involving accidents or traffic violations were documented. However, the study results highlight the potential of autonomous vehicles to increase road safety. However, for now, the technology remains a complement and not a complete replacement for human driving, at least in the current phase of development.