1888 Press Release – The changeover between driver and computer at critical times is yet to be appropriately engineered, Michael Tornabe bus transport expert says.
“Learning how to control a driverless car is more difficult than it seems, and I’m speaking as a long-time mechanic and adept driver, if I may say so myself”, NY Private school transport entrepreneur Michael Tornabe said as he began his address to an ardent crowd.
The technology enthusiast and patented inventor was speaking at a summit to discuss the possibilities of futuristic transport technologies, and in particular driverless vehicles. “We generally assume that self-driving vehicles will be safer, but how ready are we to sit in a vehicle and be chauffeured by computers and robots?”
He explained that this technology would require drivers to shift their frames of mind from drivers to human operators – sort of like pilots are in planes. The main problem is that even the self-driving vehicles have not been made 100% self-driving, which means that a driver would have to take back controls when facing extreme changes. The changeover phase between driver and computer while in motion is critical then.
“Researchers are trying to simulate various conditions common to road travel, using laypeople as drivers, since these are the intended consumers of the technology once completed. Being unaccustomed to riding in automated vehicles, there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding driver’s reaction to automated steering,” Michael Tornabe spoke.
Distraction in such instances, according to Mr. Tornabe is inevitable and safe even, until that critical point when the vehicle requires the driver to take back control. They would be completely unaware of their surroundings and circumstances leading up to the changeover, making it difficult for them to take the right actions when dealing with an emergency.
“Situational awareness is critical for driving, and difficult to maintain except when a driver is in full control of the vehicle. When you’re not driving, you’re not looking out for danger signs, like a driver whose car seems to be swerving unexpectedly or slowing down ahead of you. Without this information, how then can you successfully respond to an emergency that is too complex for the computer to handle at a moment’s notice?” Michael Tornabe asked, concluding his loaded speech.
About Logan Bus Company & Michael Tornabe:
The Logan Bus Company & Affiliates was set up in Logan in 2003 by well-known entrepreneur, inventor and patent-holder Michael Tornabe. From 700 contracted routes given by the NYC Department of Education, the company has grown to become the largest private school bus operator within the state of New York, plying over 2,000 routes today.
Speaking of the brains behind the operation, Michael has always been the entrepreneurial success story, having founded a successful Long Island roofing company prior to the bus company’s inception. While businessman-ship flows through his veins, Michael has a passion for cars, preferring to be under-the-hood – in the heart of operations – rather than at the forefront. His excellence with car service rightly distinguishes his fleet of buses among the best-maintained fleets.
Privately, Michael avidly supports several charities including the Wounded Warriors, NYPD, FDNY, Queens Boys and Girls Club, and the NY State Troopers. His heart lives to see children protected so that they can benefit from the education that would shape their futures. Learn more at http://www.loganbuscompany.com