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Transport for the Future

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In the future there will be more people, so the way we travel will change. More public transport and safer vehicles will be needed.

With a growing number of people in New Zealand there will be an increase in traffic on our roads. To make sure our transport system is safe and to reduce traffic congestion more people will need to use public transport. The safety of vehicles will also improve as new technology will lead to safer vehicles.

Age of vehicles

People are more likely to die in a car crash if the car they are travelling in is old. This is because older vehicles have less safety features such as air bags and automatic braking.

Technology

In the future cars will have more in-built technology to give drivers safety feedback. This technology will also help the driver to stay alert and follow the road rules.

GPS tracking technology can already be used to track vehicles. Satellite-based navigation technology is also allowing the development of self-driving vehicles.

Self-driving vehicles

Self-driving vehicles drive themselves. They sense what is around them and find their way by using technology. They use sensors and software to control, navigate, and drive the vehicle.

Self-driving vehicles are controlled by using tools such as:

  • radar
  • laser light (LiDAR)
  • GPS
  • automatic emergency braking
  • odometry
  • computer vision (cameras)

Self-driving cars can see and understand the world around them, avoid obstacles and get to where they need to go. There are three things needed to turn a regular car into a self-driving car:

  1. A GPS system - much like the ones found in many cars today.
  2. A system that picks up changes in conditions on the roads.
  3. A way to process and react to this information while driving

There are different levels of automation in vehicles. Currently cars already have some automation, such as automatic steering and braking. As technology develops vehicles will become more automated which will increase safety and reduce the number of errors that drivers make.

Self-driving vehicles are usually electric so reduce pollution. Self-driving vehicles can be used for public transport. During busy times vehicles can be attached together or drive in convoy to offer more seats for passengers.

Ready for a quiz? Try the interactive 'Transport for the Future' activity .

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How do you think transport will change in the future?

As New Zealand's population grows to avoid congestion there will need to be more public transport and safer vehicles. Image: LEARNZ.

Ohmio is developing the first New Zealand made driverless car. Image: ohmio.

These self-driving vehicles developed by ohmio are currently being trialled in Christchurch. Image: ohmio.

Most cars have some level of automation. Self-driving cars at level 5 do not even have a steering wheel. Image ERTRAC.

The number of electric vehicles available in New Zealand is increasing. These vehicles reduce carbon emissions and our dependence on fossil fuels. Image: LEARNZ.

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Designing Safer Roads
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