The revolutionary development of self-driving vehicles and implications for the transportation engineering profession

Current technology developments and potential safety and mobility benefits of self-driving cars are discussed. It poses questions and proposes some initial actions to prepare the profession for the to become actively engaged in partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, including software and systems developers, auto manufacturers, and regulatory bodies. Self-driving cars offer the promise of allowing older citizens and those with disabilities to enjoy a level of mobility on a par with that enjoyed by licensed drivers with ready access to cars. In addition to the safety and mobility benefits, self-driving cars would allow significant productivity increases for commuting, goods movement, and care giving. When fully autonomous vehicles are permitted on the roadways, the fundamental nature of vehicle trips will change. Vehicles can shuttle empty to preposition themselves where they are needed. Self-driving vehicles are expected to track more precisely within lanes, which could allow lanes to be narrowed.