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Autonomous vehicles risk

by Mark Rowe

Automotive developments suggest that autonomous vehicles could be on our roads in the near future as several companies begin trials. We already have ‘self-driving’ technologies in the cars which are on our roads, from lane departure warning systems, cruise control and active park assist, but just how far are we from introducing fully autonomous vehicles onto our roads? As Google tests its own self-drive vehicles, clocking more than 200,000 miles in a fleet of self-driving cars retrofitted with sensors, it seems we are not far from seeing fully autonomous vehicles on our roads at all. However, it isn’t all good news – as vans have become a common weapon in recent terror attacks, law makers have warned that autonomous vehicles must have secure and safe technology to prevent use as an accessory in terror attacks in the future. VW dealership Vindis raise concern as lorries and vans continue to be used as terror weapons, but what does this mean for autonomous vehicles.

With multiple self-driving apps already available in many automotive mobiles, further developments in-car suggest we are close to rolling out fully autonomous vehicles. Many drivers are progressively trusting their vehicles to carry out tasks which previously would always need to be done manually. We already have systems which keep us in our lanes on dual carriageways and motorways, systems that can parallel park our vehicles for us, and software that automatically maintains a safe, steady speed on the UK’s roads – with some even advanced enough with automated braking systems when tracking the vehicle in front. Self-driving technology is revolutionising the driving experience.

But what is required from automotive manufacturers? For fully autonomous vehicles, manufacturers need to converge sensor-based technologies and connected-vehicle communications, so that they can deliver safer self-driving techniques than what each approach could ever deliver on its own. News suggests that lorries and trucks are forecast to be some of the first fully autonomous vehicles to be rolled out onto the roads – a worry for many as low-end estimates suggest that over 1.7 million truckers could be replaced by self-driving counterparts – which could rise to as high at three million, ridding trucks of their manual drivers. Furthermore, what does that mean for terrorists who have chosen vans and lorries as their weapon?

Terror risk

‘Truck attacks’ have become a global terror risk as they have grown in frequency in the past two years. Trucks are chosen for their size and anonymity, and have been used to drive into crowded pedestrian areas at high speeds and cause devastating results. It’s predicted that these vehicles will be amongst the first fully autonomous vehicles on our roads, and officials worry they could play a crucial role in mitigating their use as rolling weapons.

Preventative methods

The risk has been recognised in advance, before the technology is rolled out to our roads. This gives the UK, and the rest of the world, enough time to implement legislation to say that all autonomous vehicle will be armed with cybersecurity technology so that they can’t be used as an accessory in a terror attack. The cybertechnology aims to make it incredibly hard, if not impossible, to hack the vehicle for hijack meaning potential terrorists can’t use autonomous technology as an accessory in an attack.

Hire and rental companies will also need to prepare for stricter regulations and restrictions that ensure extra precautions are taken to prevent terror risks. In recent attacks, hire vehicles have been the weapon used to cause mass disaster. It has been suggested that companies should have access to a wider database that reveals more sensitive information in the future so that companies are aware of individuals that are suspect. Whilst databases currently check against identity, credit and insurance, the threat of terrorism may lead to a more detailed and sensitive database.

Furthermore, Fleet Source have developed a UK ‘Terrorism Risk and Incident Prevention’ suite of products and training to support fleet operators – named ‘TRIP’. Its aim is to reduce the risks of commercial vehicles being used as a weapon in terror attacks. The products and services seek to educate fleet operators, managers and drivers of the risks of terrorism, the nature of the threats and safety precautions that can be implemented to reduce the possibilities of their vehicle being hijacked, stolen or used in a terrorist incident.

The Government is keen to take action too, hoping to introduce geo-fencing systems that prevent unauthorised vehicles from entering particular areas of a city – the system will slow down vehicles and control their speed as soon as they enter the sensitive area through satellites. The system would automatically connect with the vehicle and retain control so that the vehicle only travels at a safe speed within the area.

If authorities start planning now, we could have the correct precautions in place for a safer future before the risk becomes a reality.

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