Can Self-Driving Cars Handle Wisconsin’s Snowy Streets?

can self-driving cars truly navigate the snowy streets of Wisconsin? Experts predict that robotaxis will soon become a common sight in Milwaukee, but several hurdles must be overcome before this vision becomes a reality. Currently, Wisconsin’s laws mandate a human presence behind the wheel, and although the state is exploring changes to this legislation, it is not a priority for lawmakers at present.

However, even if policy adjustments are made, a more significant challenge ___: snow. The ability of autonomous vehicles, such as those developed by Waymo or Uber, to operate safely in busy, snowy intersections is a complex issue that requires resolution. Despite these challenges, autonomous vehicles have made remarkable strides in safety.

According to federal data, up to 98% of car crashes are attributed to human error, whereas Google’s Waymo robotaxi service has demonstrated a significantly lower risk of injury crashes. Over 7 million driverless miles traveled in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles between 2019 and 2023, Waymo’s vehicles were found to be nearly seven times less likely to be involved in an injury crash compared to human drivers.