One definite area where artificial intelligence could be effectively used is in driverless or autonomous vehicles (AVs) (Can autonomous vehicles replace human-driven ones?; May 15).

But for some reason, even with the number of fatal road accidents the world over, there is fear that AVs could prove dangerous.

It is understandable for people to have a general mistrust of technology, even though scientists have been trying to say that the only way to reduce the rate of road accidents is through the use of AVs.

If we want to make progress in the use of AVs, we need to do more than just disseminate information about test results and trial runs.

People have to try it and see it first-hand to be convinced. The projection that it will be another 50 years before AV technology replaces human drivers is too slow.

Rather than just waiting for the technology to mature fully, we could start installing some of the components of AV technology in buses, trucks and taxis that are on the streets now.

Components like some form of limited autopilot, and sensors and cameras installed at the front and rear of vehicles, especially large vehicles, would allow drivers to see blind spots and overcome problems caused by attention lapses and fatigue at the wheel.

This would not only potentially reduce many road accidents but also be a transitionary phase before fully autonomous driverless vehicles come on the road.

Lee Kay Yan (Miss)