The Federal Council is planning to approve automated driving in Switzerland.
However, this progress comes with potential dangers. Drivers will soon be allowed to let go of the steering once the automation system is activated, but must be ready to take back control if necessary. Two experts, Raphael Murri and Andreas Herrmann, analyze the effects.
Raphael Murri, professor of vehicle mechanics, warns of the risks as drivers may be unwilling to intervene in critical situations if they do not pay attention to traffic. Andreas Herrmann, mobility expert, however, supports the Federal Council’s decision Switzerland to make it a development site for automated driving.
The potential dangers lie in distracting drivers, especially if they are busy doing something else while driving. Murri emphasizes that although the technology is advanced, exceptional situations require drivers to intervene. Herrmann, on the other hand, sees autonomy as an opportunity to make roads safer, since 90 percent of accidents are due to human error.
The benefits of automated driving lie in the potential improvement of traffic flow and safety on highways as the machines are continually alert. Economic opportunities could also arise as companies that rely on autonomous technologies could establish themselves and develop innovative transport solutions.
Experts agree that the auto industry will gradually introduce autonomous functions. However, the time until drivers in Switzerland can drive autonomously is uncertain. While Herrmann emphasizes that some cities are already autonomous Shuttles Murri remains cautious and may not yet see the technology as mature.
Regarding the comparison with other countries, Herrmann explains that the pressure in Switzerland is lower, while Murri considers the technology to be less advanced compared to China. China manage traffic differently, and the population is more tolerant of errors made by autonomous vehicles. In Switzerland, however, an accident involving an autonomous car could be viewed as a scandal.