Date: September 11, 2023. — Waymo has released study showcasing the superior safety performance of its driverless cars compared to human drivers. According to the company’s latest insurance statistics, Waymo’s autonomous vehicles have proven to be significantly safer on the roads.
In an effort to gather collision data involving both autonomous vehicles and human-driven automobiles, Waymo, working in collaboration with insurance company Swiss Re, examined insurance liability claims. The analysis used 600,000 claims covering over 125 billion miles to establish a “baseline” for collisions involving human drivers. This baseline could be compared to Waymo’s record of 3.8 million miles driven autonomously. The comprehensive analysis is based on real-world data collected from Waymo’s extensive fleet of autonomous vehicles. It highlights the impressive track record of these self-driving cars.
In San Francisco and Phoenix, Waymo’s driverless cars are currently in use. According to Waymo, insurance data shows a 100% decrease in the frequency of bodily injury claims. Additionally, there is a 76% decrease in the frequency of property damage claims when compared to vehicles driven by people. Human drivers reported 3.26 property damage claims for every million kilometers driven, compared to 0.78 for Waymo’s driverless cars.
This reduction in accidents underscores the potential for autonomous vehicles to make roads safer. In cases where collisions did occur, Waymo’s vehicles were involved in fewer incidents. These resulted in fewer severe injuries when compared to accidents involving human-driven vehicles. The data highlights that Waymo’s self-driving cars exhibit faster reaction times in critical situations, such as sudden stops or obstacles in the road. This further minimizes the risk of accidents.
These statistics come at a pivotal moment when the debate surrounding autonomous vehicles’ safety and adoption continues to evolve. While this new data paints an encouraging picture of autonomous vehicle safety, it also raises questions about the potential for widespread adoption and regulation of self-driving technology.
With Waymo’s continued dedication to improving its autonomous systems, the future of safer and more efficient transportation appears increasingly promising. However, discussions about regulations, infrastructure, and public acceptance will play a crucial role in determining the path forward for autonomous vehicles.
