Skip to main content

An analysis of real-world crashes involving self-driving vehicles

A study by the University of Michigan performed a preliminary analysis of the cumulative on-road safety record of self-driving vehicles for three of the ten companies that are currently approved for such vehicle testing in California (Google, Delphi, and Audi). The analysis compared the safety record of these vehicles with the safety record of all conventional vehicles in the US for 2013 (adjusted for underreporting of crashes that do not involve a fatality).
October 30, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
A study by the University of Michigan performed a preliminary analysis of the cumulative on-road safety record of self-driving vehicles for three of the ten companies that are currently approved for such vehicle testing in California (1691 Google, 7207 Delphi, and 2125 Audi).

The analysis compared the safety record of these vehicles with the safety record of all conventional vehicles in the US for 2013 (adjusted for underreporting of crashes that do not involve a fatality).

Taking into account the fact that the distance accumulated by self-driving vehicles is still relatively low compared with conventional vehicles and that the vehicles were driven only in limited conditions, the study came up with some interesting results.

These, including the facts that self-driving vehicles may have a higher crash rate per million miles travelled than conventional vehicles, and self-driving vehicles were not at fault in any crashes they were involved in, are available in the report abstract on the university’s website. (link %$Linker: 2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 oLinkExternal http://www.umich.edu/~umtriswt/PDF/UMTRI-2015-34_Abstract_English.pdf Visit Umich false http://www.umich.edu/~umtriswt/PDF/UMTRI-2015-34_Abstract_English.pdf false false%>).

Related Content

  • January 3, 2017
    ATS wants drivers to stop running red lights
    US traffic safety camera provider American Traffic Solutions (ATS) has compiled a video (link https://www.atsol.com/2016-worst-red-light-runners/) from its red light cameras in operation in the US and wants drivers to see the collection of red-light running crash videos which it says are too dangerous to ignore. According to independent research, red light cameras have a measurable impact on traffic safety; in 2016, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety determined red-light cameras in 79 large US ci
  • March 20, 2019
    Early bird registrations open for ITS Europe
    ITS Europe has opened early bird registrations for this year’s congress taking place in Eindhoven from the 3-6 June. Under the theme ‘Fulfilling ITS Promises’, the European Programme Committee is presenting seven topics. These include deploying new mobility services – from experiments to experience; a breath of fresh air; connected, cooperative and automated mobility; enhancing the efficiency of freight transport; enablers of digital infrastructure; transport network operations; and disruption start-ups &
  • January 13, 2017
    Flir webinar training in January
    Flir Intelligent Transportation Systems is offering a 45-minute webinar 19 January, Make your traffic run smoother, more efficient and safer with Flir ITS, which discusses its solutions help to keep vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles moving safely and smoothly. More information and registration is available on the Flir website.
  • September 5, 2014
    USDOT connected vehicles pilot deployment program webinar series
    The next USDOT connected vehicle pilot deployment program webinar, Communications and role of DSRC, will take place on 19 September at 1100-1200 EST. The program seeks to combine connected vehicle and mobile device technologies in innovative and cost-effective ways. Ultimately, this program will improve traveller mobility and system productivity while reducing environmental impacts and enhancing safety. The USDOT anticipates a procurement action for multiple pilot deployment concepts in 2015.