Source: Designated DriverA Portland-based startup has developed a system that enables human drivers to monitor and, in the event of an emergency, operate driverless vehicles.

The startup, aptly named Designated Driver, enables human drivers to monitor autonomous vehicles remotely and with the ability to intervene when presented with the unexpected such as a malfunction or inclement weather.

Typically programmed to handle driving long, straight lines without too many unexpected events, autonomous vehicles reportedly operate well. However, inclement weather and other unexpected obstacles can negatively impact their performance. To remedy that performance issue and to quell the fears of a public that, according to a recent AAA survey, is reportedly afraid of autonomous vehicles, Designated Driver enables trained and skilled drivers to remotely monitor the vehicles with the ability to intervene when necessary. Consequently, the Designated Driver technology allows autonomous vehicles to test in areas self-driving cars wouldn’t typically test in.

According to the Designated Driver website: “Construction zones, accident sites, human traffic direction, passenger needs, severe weather conditions — Designated Driver handles any situation that requires a real-time, highly trained human in control of an autonomous vehicle.”

Designated Driver hopes its system will help ease the public fear of autonomous vehicles and potentially persuade reticent clients to reconsider driverless systems, assured by the presence of a human operator who can intervene in the event of the unexpected.