Self-Driving Cars on our Streets: Free Seminar to Explore Realities and Challenges of Autonomous Vehicles

October 9, 2019 – AAA South Dakota and Southeast Technical Institute are partnering to present ‘Technology Takes the Wheel®,’ an educational seminar on Oct. 21, 2019.

This seminar will address the future impact of self-driving cars on South Dakota roadways and communities and address preparations underway to ensure South Dakota’s autonomous vehicle future is manageable for our communities, while providing traffic safety for all using the roadways.

“The technology to provide fully self-driving vehicles is under development and testing and is advancing toward future reality on our roadways,” said Marilyn Buskohl, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA South Dakota. “As the nation’s foremost advocate for motorists, travelers and traffic safety, AAA is pleased to partner with Southeast Tech to provide this informative forum to educate and engage with transportation and government officials, community business leaders and the public on the future of our transportation system, so we are prepared when autonomous vehicles become reality in South Dakota.”

This seminar is free and open to the public, and takes place in Sioux Falls on Monday, Oct. 21.

WHAT:  Transportation Transformation: An Overview of Autonomous Vehicles

WHEN:  9-11:30 a.m. – Monday, Oct. 21, 2019

WHERE:  Southeast Technical Institute

                        HUB Auditorium

                        2001 N. Career Ave.

                        Sioux Falls, SD 57107

WHO:   Scheduled Speakers:

RSVP:   There is no fee to attend. Registration is required, as space is limited.

              Register online: southeasttech.edu/autonomousvehicles

“Future transportation systems with connected and autonomous vehicles will greatly change and impact many aspects of society, including our cities, rural communities, commerce and even human interaction and mobility,” said Jason Merritt, STI automotive instructor. “As a technical school with a strong focus on advanced technology, innovation and applied learning, this is the type of forum and training we aim to provide our students and the community.”

Autonomous vehicle technology is in various stages of development and, in several locations across the country, pilot testing with applications such as driverless shuttles in limited areas. But consumer comfort with self-driving vehicles is slow to develop. AAA’s annual automated vehicle survey, earlier this year, found that 71% of people are afraid to ride in fully self-driving vehicles.

More promising, AAA found that Americans are receptive to the idea of automated vehicle technology in more limited applications. About half (53%) are comfortable with low-speed, short distance forms of transportation like people movers found at airports or theme parks while 44% are comfortable with fully self-driving vehicles for delivery of food or packages. However, once the passengers become more personal – in particular, transporting their loved ones – one in five remain comfortable.

AAA believes the key to helping consumers feel more comfortable with fully self-driving vehicles will be bridging the gap between the perception of automated vehicle technology and the reality of how it actually works in today’s cars. ‘Technology Takes the Wheel®,’ seminars are among the ways AAA is informing and educating key stakeholders and consumers about the emerging AV technology.

ABOUT SOUTHEAST TECH: Southeast Tech is a career-focused learning environment for determined students who expect a life-changing education that gets results. Our faculty and staff are passionate about student success, and more than 70 associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and apprenticeships provide pathways to professional accomplishment utilizing skills-relevant facilities and Sioux Falls as an extended classroom. Southeast Tech is a smart investment for students to launch their in-demand, technical careers in two years or less. Learn more about Southeast Tech at southeasttech.edu.