Despite accidents that can happen with self-driving cars such as the one the reported in Arizona, humans are still far more likely to cause an accident. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 94% of all accidents are caused due to human error. Experts must still work out the technical issues. The future of cars is changing and with it, the environment around them.

What Are We Really Talking About

Self-driving cars, driverless cars, autonomous vehicles and automated cars are all referring to the same type of vehicle. These vehicles all have the ability for a person to be a passenger in the car while going to a predetermined location. But they can do so without having to navigate. The passenger has access to the controls but can spend their ride time doing other things. They can work, read email or play a game with their children rather than doing the work of driving. Currently, there are prototypes in development that have been created by both car manufacturers as well as technology companies such as Apple.

Driverless cars have been categorized by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) into six different levels. Level 0 has zero automation, and the 5th level is full automation. The self-driving cars we are talking about fall into Levels 4 and 5.

With a Level 4 rating, no human is required to operate the vehicle. However, a Level 4 vehicle must access maps that are specially developed for a self-driving vehicle. These maps provide guidance for the vehicle. If the plans don’t exist, the human driver must take over.

The ultimate self-driving car, a Level 5, means no human intervention is required. Level 5 is full automation, and as long as there is something that passes as a road, the vehicle can navigate it.

When Should We Expect Them

Self-driving cars are already being tested in some markets for ride-hailing services. Yet there are a few years to go before these same vehicles will be available for the consumer market. Some regulations must be passed, and the outcome of the current tests in the ride-hailing arena will play a role as well. In all likelihood, it will be 2020 or 2021 before self-driving cars are available from a dealership. For example, Ford expects its vehicle to be on the market by 2021. In preparation, what must occur?