Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are becoming more prevalent thanks to the development of advanced technology. Many cars now have some form of automation integrated into them, whether it’s lane detection, automatic braking or forward collision warning systems.

Autonomous vehicles are meant to improve driving performance and safety, including reducing pedestrian injuries or fatalities. There are five levels of driving automation outlined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and they all follow stringent standards. 

While the future of AVs looks bright, it’s also essential to consider the implications of using them on existing roads and highways. Will roads need an upgrade to accommodate AVs? There are questions surrounding the use of AVs on interstates, bridges and local roads. 

AVs bring various benefits to the table, including reducing pollution, but if infrastructure improvements are placed on the backburner, we won’t be able to reap the benefits they provide. 

Here’s how different components of the country’s infrastructure contribute to the use of self-driving cars. 

Building Roads Fit for Self-Driving Cars

The general public is intrigued by the idea of using AVs to get to and from various locations. However, it’s vital to address the shortcomings of the current automotive transportation system to prepare for more self-driving cars on the road.

The Senate recently passed a $3.5 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill that aims to make significant improvements to current infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, waterways and airports. The passing of this bill is undoubtedly a step in the right direction regarding the introduction of AVs. Still, people should monitor the execution of the bill and see if improvements are being made.

Many investors and public or private stakeholders focus on developing the technology specific to AVs without adequately addressing the infrastructure needed to support their usage. It’ll be necessary to shift the focus onto infrastructure improvements to make headway in this nascent industry.

A lot of processing occurs when driving — human drivers need to keep an eye on external factors, like pedestrians, other cars, animals or inanimate objects. They need to follow traffic signals, stop signs and make split-second decisions to avoid accidents or fender benders. 

In addition, drivers need to communicate with each other, making gestures and using hand signals to coordinate. Can AVs account for these external factors? With the right technology, they most likely will — however, roads must work with AVs, not against them.

These are just a few examples of why potential infrastructure improvements are needed — they’ll help AVs navigate the congested highways and narrow roads we drive on today. 

Making Necessary Infrastructure Improvements

There’s some debate over whether or not investors should focus on funding vehicles to infrastructure (V2I) technology. Some examples of this tech would be sensors in roads or street signs that communicate directly with AVs. 

Aside from the technological factors mentioned above, current maintenance on roads, whether it’s fixing potholes or repainting solid or dotted lines, will be necessary to accommodate AVs. The common infrastructure issues we see on streets today and anticipating weather conditions create new challenges for AVs. 

Transportation departments already repaint lines on roads annually, but extra maintenance may be necessary. AVs must make out lines for lane detection and various other safety features. In essence, AVs need better road conditions to function properly. 

All components that make up roadways, including signs, stoplights and lanes, must all be in the best working order for AVs. It’s also vital to consider poor road surfaces — for example, treating roads with high friction surface treatments (HFST) may be a viable solution to this issue and allow for safe AV operation. Smoother roads make driving more efficient and help reduce crashes that result in injuries or fatalities. 

Bridge safety will also play a role in how quickly we’ll see driverless cars on the road. Self-driving vehicles face ambiguity when it comes to bridges — spans lack environmental cues that assist the automatic system in making decisions to switch lanes, for example. It may be challenging for AVs to navigate these structures safely. 

The current infrastructure is incapable of hosting AVs. More advanced technologies will need to be integrated into roads to allow AVs to navigate more effectively and intuitively. 

Self-Driving Cars and Road Safety

The technology used to develop self-driving cars is growing rapidly, and updating roads to accommodate AVs will help pave the way for adoption. Significant improvements are needed to prepare for these revolutionary vehicles.

Author bio: Jane is an environmental writer who covers topics in sustainable construction and green building materials and the editor-in-chief of Environment.co.

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