Why Autopilot car technology must be a standard feature - it can save lives

According to a recent study over 30,000 drivers per year were involved in serious crashes due to medical conditions in the last few years. Thousands of these serious crashes end up in deaths. Seizures, temporary blackouts, diabetic reactions and heart attacks were among the most frequently medical conditions among drivers in these crashes. In addition, just last year alone the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states there were over 1,500 deaths due to drowsy driving. All these terrible accidents and lives lost are truly unfortunate as we currently have the necessary technology to help prevent the majority of these situations.

Several car manufacturers currently offer semi-autonomous driving systems and drowsiness detection systems that can help take over driving at the push of a button even if it's for a short amount of time and can also monitor a vehicle’s movements and when drowsiness is detected, drivers are typically warned with a sound and the appearance of an icon. However, there is more advanced technology based on using sensors, AI and learned drivers habits which can do much more than just make a sound.

Today, there are six levels of autonomous categories for automakers, suppliers, and policymakers to use to classify a system’s sophistication. Level 3, which is considered Conditional Automation, can allow the car to manage most aspects of driving, including monitoring the environment. The system only prompts the driver to intervene when it encounters a scenario it can’t navigate. There are at least 2-3 manufacturers which can easily do Level 3 today.

So, if we currently have the ability for our cars to take over driving even if it's at reduced speeds or for short time frames and if we have the ability to detect drowsiness and drivers falling asleep at the wheel, why is it that these features are not in every vehicle we drive? Why aren't we pushing for accelerating making autopilot feature a standard?

Do you remember when backup cameras were only a luxury optional feature in some cars? Now even the most basic entry level car has them - Back up cameras have helped drivers avoid blind spots, avoid crashes, avoid all sorts of accidents and save many lives. Same thing should happen with autopilot.

Don't we all know people and relatives who take medication or suffer from diabetes, seizures or heart conditions? - We all do. Don't we all know people who have complained at one point that they fell asleep at the wheel due to being tired? - We all do,...sometimes it's been one of us. Think of your elderly parents or teenagers behind the wheel. In a situation when someone is not able to respond effectively, don't you wish there was a mechanism which could take over for the driver?

Manufacturers should figure out a way on how to accelerate the production and delivery of this technology. Many of these proposed standards get stalled for several years in government agencies and political discussions. It took more than 10 years to get backup cameras to become mainstream. We can not and should not afford to wait another 10 years.

Let's learn from the lessons of previous standards like Backup Cameras and let's accelerate Autopilot.

The technology is here - let's all use it. Technology can help make us all better drivers.

About the Author: Alejandro Mainetto has more than 20+ years of experience in helping build innovative solutions for corporations across many industries. He helps transform industries and works with many leading corporations in driving digital transformation and market disruption.

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