Self-driving cars have the potential to provide mobility to people living outside of big cities who are unable to drive, but the technology still needs to overcome some obstacles.
Rural Trials
Rural trials have been set up in several other states, including Iowa and Ohio. Peterson hopes that experimental projects will help achieve a day when self-driving cars and trucks can assist the 25 million Americans whose travel is limited due to disability.
Future Challenges
Self-driving cars remain far from everyday options, as technology companies and manufacturers struggle to improve the technology. Recently, for instance, General Motors recalled all its self-driving cars after one struck and dragged another vehicle.
Trials in Grand Rapids
Peterson is among those who believe that self-driving cars will someday be safer than models driven by humans. “Look at how many times the lights failed before they worked,” she said.
The Project in Grand Rapids
The project covers 35 miles of roads, with 71 stations. Initially, the routes avoided stops in parking lots, as human drivers often make unpredictable decisions. However, organizers realized that stopping on the side of the street could be difficult for many people, especially those among the 10% of JumaRide passengers who use wheelchairs. Now, self-driving trucks are entering some parking lots to pick up passengers at the door.
Future Challenges
Developers will need to overcome significant challenges before self-driving cars become a regular part of rural life, Dumas said. “But it is no longer something that can be ignored as it once was.”
A Bright Future
A 2022 report from the National Council on Disability predicted that self-driving cars could help many people with disabilities get out of their homes and obtain jobs. Tom Foley, the group’s executive director, says that a lack of transportation often leads to isolation, which can result in mental health issues. “There is an epidemic of loneliness, especially among the elderly and particularly for those with disabilities,” he said.
Future Challenges
Currently, most passengers who use wheelchairs require attendants to secure them inside the truck before it begins moving. However, researchers are looking into ways to streamline that task so people using wheelchairs can fully benefit from self-driving cars.
Future Challenges
Robot drivers can also get confused in roundabouts, also known as traffic circles. These settings are generally viewed as safer than four-way stops, but they can also confuse human drivers.
Future Challenges
Has took control every time the truck approached a roundabout. He also took the wheel as the truck neared a passing bicyclist on the side of the road. “Better to be safe than sorry,” Has said. Once the truck was a few yards from the bike, he pressed a button telling the robot to resume control.
A Bright Future
Peterson takes the trucks to stores, restaurants, community meetings, and hockey games – “and church, of course, every Sunday and Wednesday,” she said. She said the project has brought together Grand Rapids residents to envision a more inclusive future. “It’s not just a luxury vehicle,” she said.
About the Author
Tony Leys is a rural editor/reporter based in Des Moines. He works for KFF Health News. KFF Health News is a national news organization producing in-depth journalism on health issues and is one of the major operating programs of KFF – the independent source for health policy research and polling.
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