It is found in studies, that around 95% of all the traffic fatalities are resulted for some kind of human errors. So, if the possibilities of this error can be totally eliminated, then it will significantly boost the road safety. This safety measure can be possible, only if the people opted into driverless technology. These autonomous cars will also be run by electricity thus, controlling pollution. In Dubai, his highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has launched a strategy for the transportation future, which will be the key element for Dubai becoming the world’s smartest city.
The overview of this project are as follows:
- By 2030, 20% of Dubai’s transportation will turned to autonomous.
- The costs will be reduced by 44%, which will be saving up to Dh22 billion every year.
- Annually, the travelling time will be reduced by 396 million of hours and this will achieve 13% increased productivity.
- Saving of Dh2 billion per year by reducing the accident rate by 12%.
In Gitex 2018, contributing to this vision of goal, the director of Automated Collections Systems Department of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has announced the revolutionary initiative of an autonomous taxi. The autonomous transportation system is designed in partnership with Dubai Silicon Oasis and DG World. It will be equipped with top safety and security features.
Before the end of 2017, this taxi have done a test run for 3 months to get the understanding, how this technology suited with Dubai’s environment, the infrastructure requirements and for the legislation development to run this system in future. After this trial period, it will be decide where and when to implement this system. The first car was trailed in Downtown Dubai in November and it seems that driverless cars are likely to become mainstream reality. It is a part of the mission, to achieve driverless transportation up to 25% by 2030.
Tesla launches 50 out of 200 vehicle deal with UAE, which were semi-automatic having an auto-pilot i.e., a human driver will be behind the wheel for emergencies. These 50 cars are just the starting point of the autonomous taxi plan in Dubai. This new fleet includes both Model S sedans and Model X SUVs. These vehicles are equipped with hardware that are required for full self-driving capability, with a safety level greater than a human driver.
The latest EZ10 cars can carry up to 10 passengers and run along pre-programmed route in the city. It also having 360-degree sensors that keeps them safe from collisions. These cars also have a phenomenal environmental potential impact, as these cars are driven by electricity. A reduction of 12% reduction in pollution, due to this driverless car from the existing 1.5 million cars in the city, is predicted by the RTA. This is not the only benefit. It is also predicted by RTA, that it will reduce the need for parking infrastructure by 50% in the city and also saving 12% losses incurred by traffic accidents.