The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) used I-95 in northern Virigina Monday morning to test its new self-driving Cadillac, according to Fox 5 News.
The Cadillax SRX drove itself on the relatively empty I-95 Express Lanes, which connect the northern Virginia suburbs to Washington D.C., in a closed test, the Associated Press reported.
Virginia Tech researcher Luke Neurauter sat behind the wheel of the automated Cadillac. "I think it certainly has its place. I know we've all been on long trips where it would be great to just kinda sit back and turn it over to the vehicle and let it do its thing," he said, Fox 5 News reported.
Virginia Senator Mark Warner, who participated as a passenger in test driving the SRX, said that the automated car is safe. "All of a sudden the car is moving from one lane to another. I think you may have seen a little bit of a surprised look on my face," Warner said.
Warner's eyes widened when the car changed lanes by itself to allow an emergency police vehicle to pass by during the simulated drive, AP noted. The car also automatically slowed down when it approached a work zone and traffic stop on the simulated driving course.
VTTI committed 70 miles for testing the automated cars, Fox 5 News reported. However, the Institute does not plan on selling its technology. Instead, it plans on using it to help automakers study and develop their products.
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