Dubai: How autonomous cars can help cut down accidents, protect pedestrians

Khaleej Times

9 hours ago

As autonomous vehicle technology advances, it's not just drivers who stand to benefit. Traffic authorities, police departments, and decision-makers are also eyeing the promise of safer, smarter roads. "Human error accounts for nearly 90 per cent of road crashes," said Abdulla Alfalasi, Traffic Expert at Dubai Police H.Q.
"Distraction, fatigue, and poor decision-making are major contributors, and that's where autonomous systems can step in."
Alfalasi outlined several critical scenarios in which human factors lead to serious accidents. These include speeding, aggressive driving, and especially distracted driving, such as using a mobile phone, eating, or adjusting in-car systems.
'Rear-end collisions, for example, are often linked to driver distraction,' he stated on the final day of the World Police Summit, which ran from May 13 to 15 in Dubai.
Fatigue, another leading cause of crashes, was also highlighted. Alfalasi explained how tired drivers are prone to micro-sleep episodes and reduced alertness, which compromise reaction time and decision-making. 'In many cases, drivers may not even realise how impaired they are until it's too late,' he added.
He also touched on the impact of psychological stress, health conditions, medication, and inexperience, all of which can contribute to misjudgments behind the wheel. 'Some drivers underestimate risks, or overcorrect in dangerous situations, especially when weather conditions are poor,' Alfalasi said.
But autonomous vehicles, he argued, offer a promising path forward. Referencing the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) classification system, Alfalasi explained that autonomous driving is categorised from Level 0 (no automation) to Level 5 (full automation). Today, many vehicles already operate at Level 2 or Level 3, where driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering are active, and testing is underway for Level 4 systems, especially in autonomous taxis.
'What makes this technology so promising is its ability to address the core issue: the human element,' Alfalasi said. 'By reducing reliance on human input, we also reduce the potential for human mistakes.'
Connectivity was another key point in his presentation. Alfalasi described how V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) and V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication allow cars to share information in real-time, adjusting speeds, avoiding collisions, and responding instantly to hazards. These capabilities not only help drivers but also support emergency responders and traffic control centres in managing incidents more effectively.
'Autonomous vehicles don't just drive, they talk to the road, to other vehicles, and to the systems that manage our cities,' he said. 'This integration is essential for creating smarter, safer urban environments.'
Beyond safety, Alfalasi emphasised the value of autonomous vehicles as data-gathering tools. With real-time information on traffic patterns, risk zones, and road usage, authorities and policymakers can make more informed decisions about infrastructure and enforcement.
Finally, he stressed the benefits for vulnerable road users. 'Autonomous cars are equipped with advanced sensors that can detect pedestrians and cyclists more accurately than the average driver, helping to give them the right of way and avoid collisions,' he said.
He also underscored the importance of continuing to invest in the development and deployment of autonomous technologies. 'This isn't just about convenience,' he said. 'It's about saving lives, supporting our police and road safety teams, and building a future where traffic crashes are the exception, not the rule.'