Self-Driving Cars and the Future of Driving

Self-driving technology has moved from science fiction to city streets. Driverless robotaxi services now operate in several U.S. cities, including parts of Texas, and many new cars include driver assistance features that can steer, brake and keep pace with traffic on the highway.

Assistance Is Not Autonomy

Most vehicles sold today are not self-driving. Features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking are designed to support an attentive driver, not replace one. Under Texas law, the person behind the wheel is still responsible for operating the vehicle safely.

On the Highway

Scanners, cameras, sensors and radar are the backbone of modern driver assistance systems. They can struggle in heavy rain, glare, construction zones and with faded lane markings, so drivers must be ready to take over at any moment.

In the City

Connected traffic signals and smarter intersections are helping reduce congestion and improve fuel economy in city driving. Driverless vehicles operating in urban areas still share the road with pedestrians, cyclists and human drivers, which makes predictable, defensive driving more important than ever.

Perception

Public trust remains one of the biggest obstacles to wider adoption. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues to study automated driving systems and investigate crashes involving them.

For the foreseeable future, human drivers paying attention to the road and avoiding distractions remain essential. To learn more about how you can improve your safety behind the wheel, take our online Texas defensive driving course.