Driverless cars are already a reality, but what is important for their manufacturers to keep in mind
Self-driving cars are already a reality, but the public and experts fear that their developers will take the shortest route and not take into account the problems of the disabled. People with disabilities often become victims of discrimination, and it is very important to take care of them in this situation. This was reported by SSPDaily.
The Tech Explore website writes: "Over the past two decades, transportation has become more accessible, but people with disabilities still face serious barriers to accessing these services. Autonomous vehicles have the potential to significantly improve people's lives in this regard by helping them move around independently, but experts fear that their opinions are being ignored in the development of new technology."
What did the research show?
Experts from the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) at the University of Warwick and leading disability charities looked at the impact of self-driving taxis on people with disabilities, who have seen little improvement in recent years.
In particular, they found that the absence of a driver is strongly correlated with the feeling and perception of greater freedom of movement, suggesting that autonomous taxis are more accessible to disabled people than traditional taxis with drivers. For example, the researchers note that drivers often cancel calls when they find out that they will have to use a wheelchair. This allegedly takes them extra time and has a bad effect on their earnings.
In turn, experts say, self-driving taxis will give people with disabilities more freedom and reduce the fear of discrimination. Therefore, it is very important to listen to their opinion when developing the technology."
What should autonomous car manufacturers consider?
"Along with the current problems faced by disabled people when ordering a taxi, WMG experts have identified the fears of people with disabilities about future self-driving taxis. The main issue was the availability of human assistance to meet the specific needs of users throughout the trip.
These include: placing the wheelchair in the car, fixing it in the car, disassembling it, and carefully moving the wheelchair when exiting.
For people with visual impairments, the challenge is to identify their vehicle in a crowded environment, such as at a train station.
An important factor here is the lack of social communication. Unfortunately, many people with disabilities experience feelings of loneliness and isolation, so the ability to communicate and feel comfortable during a trip is very important to them.
In general, the experts concluded: "Manufacturers should take into account the widest possible range of disabilities and the complex needs of passengers, keeping in mind that not all disabilities are visible."
