| Humans not only use vision, they use sensor fusion. Combining what you see, hear, touch, etc. Your body can perceive acceleration, for example. On top of that, you have theory of mind. For example, you have 4 cars next to you, all of them with opaque windows that do not let you see the driver: A) a loud sports car with a bunch of modifications, decals and racing related stuff B) a grandma car with cat related stickers C) an unmaintained car with collision damage, and loud music coming from it D) a family station wagon with a baby on board sticker and other family related stuff Your mind will process what it sees and quickly assign each one of those cars a different personality. A and C will likely be perceived as riskier cars, B and D will be likely perceived as safer cars. You will avoid A and C and remain unconcerned about B and D. The problem with the self-driving cars right now is that they only perceive the road as bodies that move. |
I just imagined myself driving without sound. That seems crazy to me. I need to hear cars, kids playing, etc.
And you're right that we subconsciously assign risk values to each car. A heavily modified BMW with decals? Could be an irresponsible young male adult trying to show off on the road. I should probably be prepared to brake or let him go first.