Waymo launches a public education campaign to bring awareness about self-driving vehicles

Waymo, the self-driving car unit of Alphabet Inc., has recently launched a public education campaign titled ‘Let's Talk Self-Driving’ with an aim to eradicate the cynicism that many Americans possess related to autonomous technology. This Monday, the U.S. conglomerate announced to team up with a host of disability and safety advocacy groups namely the National Safety Council, the Federation for Blind Children, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving for the campaign. Reportedly, Waymo proclaims that the advertisement campaign would spread awareness around a technology that for so long remained inaccessible to most of the Americans. Reportedly, this has been, by far, one of the most appreciated initiatives ever taken in self-driving car market.

As per reliable sources, the advertisement would first launch in Arizona, where the organization has already started its self-driving car testing. For this project, Waymo is also planning to include outdoor billboards, digital ads, radio spots, and fuel pump advertising.  The financial layout of the project has not been disclosed by the company.

Allegedly, the declaration comes on the heels of the lack of awareness and reluctance by the Americans toward the notion of autonomous vehicles. As per reliable sources, a major chunk of the American population lacks a proper knowhow about self-driving cars. As reported by the AAA (American Automobile Association) earlier this year, almost 75% of the U.S. drivers are reluctant to ride in a driverless vehicle.

As claimed by experts, the ad campaign would also limit the increasing rate of traffic accidents in America, which led to approximately 37,461 casualties in 2016, a number which is deemed to be the highest from what has been recorded since 1990.

Recently, the Senate panel unanimously gave the green signal regarding the use of autonomous cars, which however requires undergoing a full Assembly poll before being implemented. Reportedly, some of the automotive industry giants including General Motors Co, Ford Motor Co, Alphabet, etc. have petitioned for the mentioned legislation, while the auto safety units have expressed their disagreements regarding the senate bill.