Fatal and serious collisions could be reduced by 22 percent with the introduction of autonomous vehicles, according to new research.
A study by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) considered the scenario of traditional and autonomous vehicles coexisting, and suggested one in five collisions could be avoided if one of the vehicles was replaced by an automated vehicle where the human driver is not required or expected to intervene.
The analysis suggested autonomous vehicles could also lead to a 10 percent reduction in collisions at junctions and collisions involving vulnerable road users; and a 12 percent reduction in single vehicle “run off road” collisions.
“Our analysis suggests the introduction of automated vehicles to our roads is likely to bring the biggest change in road safety since the introduction of the seatbelt,” said Richard Cuerden, Director of the TRL Academy.
“However, more data is needed to build a more in-depth and robust view of future collisions and opportunities for improving occupant protection.”
The report said, by 2040 up to 650 fatal and serious injury collisions could be prevented annually due to the introduction of autonomous vehicles. This is based on between eight percent to 19 percent of the total car fleet being autonomous.
The full report is available here.
