Driverless Cars and Accessibility

Fully automated vehicles, when they begin to be deployed in significant numbers, will offer the potential to usher in enormous positive changes. Anticipated benefits include lowered traffic fatalities and injuries, as well as potentially expanded access to transportation for those who cannot drive or those who face significant barriers to driving. For individuals who cannot legally obtain a driver’s license, fully automated “driverless” vehicles offer the opportunity to become more mobile and independent. Access to transportation means access to jobs, education, and healthcare, which is a major challenge for people with disabilities.