Consumer Control of Vehicle Data
Vehicles are starting to collect reams of data about drivers, their contacts and their movements. The data generated by cars will be worth as much as $750 billion by 2030, according to McKinsey. Who should control your data, and how will it be used?
CAA and others believe that people should be aware of what data are being collected and decide who their data is shared with — be it with their local mechanic, manufacturer, insurance company or auto club.
Technology & Infrastructure
Beyond the technology in the vehicle, Governments at all levels will have to manage new wireless networks and regulate AV technology and smart infrastructure. This could be as simple as digitizing parking signs to tell AVs when and where they can stop. AVs will also need to undergo more testing in different environments to ensure they can perform in all conditions, including Canadian winters.
Hacking & Security
As cars become more connected, concerns about hacking are normal. Will the data in our vehicle become a target? Will the cars be able to be controlled remotely? Cybersecurity is a complex issue, but it is a key priority for auto manufacturers and the Canadian Government, who is overseeing a cybersecurity strategy to ensure AVs — and their passengers — are protected.
Coexistence on the Road
It is unlikely that autonomous vehicles will replace human-driven ones overnight. This leads some to wonder how well the two will work together on the road — and for that matter, how AVs will interact with other AVs and with the infrastructure around them? AVs are predictable by nature. But people behave differently in different situations. The key will be programming these cars to anticipate human behaviours and road situations, and to respond appropriately.
Distracted Driving
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have the potential to make driving safer. However, these technologies are meant to assist drivers not replace them. Drivers should always be fully attentive at the wheel. A study from the American Automobile Association (AAA) found drivers using ADAS features were 80% more likely to engage in visual and/or manual secondary tasks than drivers who weren’t using automated features. More research is required to better understand the technology and raise awareness among drivers of the potential dangers of over reliance on ADAS technology. Visit our distracted driving page to learn more.
