Lately, the evolution and associated incidents of autonomous driving technology have consistently drawn public interest, with safety once again at the forefront of social discourse. From Google Waymo's self-driving vehicle striking a famous feline to the complex scenarios encountered during various road tests, each event prompts deep contemplation: How can we approach a rapidly advancing cutting-edge technology with a rational and constructive mindset? How can we foster an essential environment for development while upholding the safety threshold?

When It Comes to Safety, There's No Difference Between 'Humans and Machines'

Industry analysis reveals that many situations autonomous driving faces in real-world road tests are low-probability, high-difficulty 'edge cases'. For instance, under conditions like slippery roads or sudden instability of pedestrians or non-motorized vehicles at close range, not only do autonomous driving systems face immense challenges, but even seasoned human drivers often find it difficult to completely avoid accidents. Experts in autonomous driving technology emphasize that these scenarios are precisely the areas where continuous learning and optimization are needed.

It's worth noting that public opinion often exhibits a certain level of understanding and tolerance for mistakes made by human drivers, while expecting almost flawless safety from autonomous driving technology. This reflects the inherent tension between the 'trial-and-error' nature of technological advancement and society's 'zero-tolerance' expectation for safety. On one hand, autonomous driving technology must gather data, identify issues, and refine algorithms through real-world road tests; on the other hand, any safety incident on public roads can swiftly provoke public concern and skepticism.

In fact, numerous studies have demonstrated the potential of autonomous driving in enhancing overall road safety. For example, Google Waymo's previously published safety report shows that its autonomous driving system significantly reduces accidents compared to human driving in various aspects, such as an 83% decrease in collisions causing airbag deployment, an 81% reduction in accidents causing personal injury, and a 64% drop in minor accidents requiring police reports. Independent research by third-party insurer Swiss Re also confirms that, under comparable driving volumes, Google Waymo's property damage and personal injury claims are reduced by approximately 80% compared to human driving.

Technological Innovation Demands a Safe and Prudent Development Environment

Safety is an unbreakable red line for autonomous driving technology and the primary responsibility of all R&D companies and operational entities. While encouraging technological innovation, China has consistently prioritized safety, establishing clear safety boundaries for autonomous driving road tests and demonstration applications through the continuous refinement of laws, regulations, technical standards, and management norms. For example, by designating test areas, setting technical thresholds, requiring the appointment of safety officers, and establishing data reporting and accident analysis mechanisms, it provides necessary practice space for technological innovation within a controlled framework.

Moreover, multiple regions have established autonomous driving demonstration zones and pilot areas and introduced relevant policies, such as the 'Management Standards for Road Testing and Demonstration Applications of Intelligent Connected Vehicles', the 'Regulations on the Management of Intelligent Connected Vehicles in the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone', and the 'Detailed Rules for the Management of Road Testing and Demonstration Applications of Intelligent Connected Vehicles in Zhuzhou City (Trial)', all dedicated to supporting technological iteration and industrial exploration under controlled risks.

It should also be acknowledged that autonomous driving represents a crucial frontier in global technological competition, a strategic direction for gaining technological superiority, promoting the intelligence of transportation systems, and enhancing overall safety and efficiency. Like any disruptive technology, autonomous driving must inevitably undergo a development process from the laboratory to commercialization, from simple scenarios to complex environments. Currently, the technology is still in a continuous evolution phase, encountering numerous 'long-tail scenarios', where the system must continuously learn, optimize, and upgrade during actual operation.

Historical experience indicates that many industries, such as automotive and aviation, have faced safety-related doubts and developmental challenges in their early stages but have ultimately become pillars of modern society through technological refinement, standard establishment, and system optimization. The development of autonomous driving similarly requires time, patience, and the collective wisdom of society. This not only pertains to the intelligence of 'vehicles' but also involves the systematic advancement of 'vehicle-road-cloud-network-map' integration, necessitating collaborative evolution of technology, infrastructure, regulations, insurance, and even public perception.

Ultimately, the goal of technological progress is to serve humanity. We must maintain the utmost respect for life, adopt a 'zero-tolerance' stance towards identifying and addressing hidden dangers, and solidify safety responsibilities. Simultaneously, we should view challenges in the innovation process with a developmental perspective. The country's commitment to supporting technological innovation and promoting industrial upgrading at the strategic level remains steadfast; society should collectively foster a development environment that encourages exploration, is cautious and inclusive, and is orderly and regulated, allowing space for trial and error under strict supervision and permitting technological growth above the safety threshold.

The ultimate realization of autonomous driving is a long-term and systematic endeavor. It requires companies to adhere to safety ethics and continuously invest in R&D, as well as scientific policy guidance and rational societal perspectives. Only in this manner can technological innovation truly progress steadily and ultimately empower beautiful travel experiences and contribute to the construction of a transportation powerhouse.

(Personal opinion, for reference only)