Consideration of the Relationship Between Autonomous Vehicles and Ethics

Abstract

In recent years, discussions on ethics have progressed. This is related to the use of AI. Autonomous vehicles are also likely to use AI, and ethical considerations are needed. In this paper, we first consider ethical issues through various guidelines. Next, consider the relationship with the current law by taking a pedestrian crossing and a living road as an example. This paper uses Japanese traffic regulations and the results of questionnaires to drivers and pedestrians. From here, the ethical issues of self-driving cars can be elicited. Ethical issues, including the safety of self-driving cars, are emerging throughout society and need to be considered in-vehicle systems and society. For example, pedestrians should be considered as active agents in social transportation systems rather than simply image-recognized passive objects by in-vehicle systems. This paper does not fully cover ethical issues. It shows the relationship between traffic law and the process of incorporating the ethics we envision. This can contribute to further consideration of system ethics and safety from a social perspective.