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Is South Australia ready for self-driving vehicles?

How we can prepare for an autonomous SA.

By Lauren Ferrone
Last updated on: April 3, 2019 at 10:31 am

By 2040, it’s predicted 4 out of every 10 vehicles on Australian roads will be autonomous. Despite South Australia fast-becoming a leader in the future of driverless vehicles, are we really ready for what’s coming?

Driverless trials making progress

In 2016, South Australia became the first state in the country to introduce a law allowing trials of driverless cars on open public roads. The law facilitates on-road trials, testing and development of driverless vehicles and other advanced automotive technology on SA roads.

Since 2016, a number of driverless vehicles have hit the streets. Last year, RAA partnered with Flinders Uni to run the Flinders Express – a driverless public electric shuttle – which began servicing Adelaide’s Tonsley Innovation District.

In late 2018, Olli – an autonomous vehicle built by US-based Local Motors – began a 6-month trial run along the Glenelg foreshore and was connected to a very smart bus stop that was a South Australian invention called the Matilda.

With a number of driverless vehicle trials already being held, there’s an urgent need to improve road infrastructure.

FLEX driverless bus at Flinders Tonsley
FLEX hits the road at Flinders Tonsley campus.

Safer roads, safer trials

So, where do we start? A good place is Dukes Hwy – the stretch of road between Murray Bridge and the Victorian border.

The notorious highway has long been on RAA’s list of deadliest state highways. Back in 2012, it was named among the 6 worst in the country.

If safety concerns can be addressed, however, RAA Future Mobility Expert Mark Borlace says the highway could remain important well into the coming decades.

“There’s potential for Dukes Hwy to become a major strategic route for future autonomous freight operations between states,” he says.

“The road is largely straight and stretches some 189km, making it a solid candidate for both trials and operations.”

Dukes Hwy helps connect South Australia and Victoria.

First we need to make it safer

As the federal election approaches, RAA is calling for the duplication of Dukes Hwy to make it safer for current traffic and future autonomous trials.

“There needs to be two lanes for traffic in each direction along the entire corridor between Adelaide and Melbourne,” Mr Borlace says.

“Not only will this prepare us for autonomous freight operations, but it will also combat the number of head-on crashes.”

We can’t do it alone

Mr Borlace adds collaboration will be key when educating road users about driverless technology, as well as the benefits of zero-emission vehicles.

“That’s a big part of the reason RAA is calling for a national scheme to ensure the government able to maintain and upgrade the transport network,” he says.

“This will help improve the quality, safety and efficiency of our roads for future generations.”

Have your say

Do you want to see SA roads improved for autonomous driving trials? Let your local Member of Parliament know with just a few clicks.

Click here

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