Concerns surrounding autonomous vehicle technology have intensified as incidents reveal its limitations. A recent trial of an autonomous bus in France highlights differing regulatory approaches compared to the U.S., where driverless taxis have faced challenges, including a vehicle’s repeated circling in a parking lot. Experts emphasize that the technology lacks the necessary intelligence to handle diverse scenarios, as evidenced by accidents and operational failures that can jeopardize passenger safety. Despite these issues, some argue that the technology is still safer than human driving.
Concerns About Autonomous Vehicle Technology
“This gives me confidence; I believe AI can drive more safely than some people,” shared a passenger during an interview conducted in November 2023, amidst the inaugural trial of an autonomous bus in France. Currently, the country permits only level 3 autonomous driving, where vehicles autonomously handle acceleration, braking, steering, and road monitoring, while a driver remains present to intervene if necessary. In contrast, the United States has adopted a different approach for several years now. Recently, a rider in a driverless taxi experienced a bewildering situation, as the vehicle circled a parking lot repeatedly, reflecting the potential pitfalls of this technology.
Incidents Highlighting Technology Limitations
“This technology lacks the intelligence required,” remarked Benjamin Clark, a public administration professor at the University of Oregon. Fortunately, the incident was brief, allowing Mike Johns to reach his flight on time. However, the footage he captured reveals his distress as he struggled to exit the vehicle, exclaiming, “I have my seatbelt on, I can’t get out. Has it been hacked?” The operator on the other end was equally powerless. “What if it had been an elderly person or a mother with a child? How would they have managed?” pondered a Scottsdale, Arizona resident, where driverless vehicles from Waymo and Cruise have been operational since 2018.
Clark further stated, “It may be a technical glitch, but more likely it’s a flaw in the design. This technology is not equipped to handle every potential scenario. We still need to account for numerous contingencies in the system.” The past few years have seen various accidents attributed to these unforeseen circumstances. For instance, in August, autonomous taxis at the Scottsdale depot started honking uncontrollably, disturbing the peaceful night as they failed to park properly.
By the end of 2023, San Francisco witnessed two Cruise vehicles create significant traffic congestion for no clear reason, just weeks after another vehicle struck a pedestrian who was later hospitalized in critical condition. Earlier in the summer, firefighters reported that two driverless taxis had delayed an ambulance responding to an emergency. They highlighted that even a slight delay can reduce the chances of survival for a patient, as tragically demonstrated when the individual passed away shortly after being taken to the hospital, located less than four kilometers away. Despite these incidents, experts at the CES 2025 show in Las Vegas in January maintain that this technology, which utilizes radars, cameras, and lasers, is significantly safer than human driving.