Self-driving cars were expected to liberate us from traffic congestion. However, studies indicate a different outcome.

      The dream of self-driving vehicles may actually hide a potential traffic disaster.

      Self-driving cars have promised a future where you can relax and breeze past heavy traffic while the vehicle takes care of everything. However, a recent study from the University of Texas at Arlington has revealed troubling news for that vision. The research indicates that widespread use of autonomous vehicles could make traffic conditions considerably worse.

      Professors Stephen Mattingly and Farah Naz conducted a meta-analysis examining the impact of self-driving cars on vehicle miles traveled (VMT), revealing an average increase of 5.95% in VMT. The figure rose to nearly 7% for non-shared autonomous vehicles.

      “The rise of AVs could make commuting more convenient, but it may also lead to increased drop-off and pick-up activities, more empty trips, and additional expenses.”

      The reasoning is straightforward. When a car can drop you off and then drive itself home or search for passengers, road traffic increases. As Dr. Mattingly explained, “What do commuters do with their car when it’s not needed? Will it go to a parking lot, look for passengers, or head home?”

      Are robot taxis already creating chaos on the roads?

      In summary, the research indicates that robotaxis are already increasing the number of vehicle miles traveled, and once they become widespread, they could place immense strain on our current infrastructure. However, if recent news is any indication, robotaxis are already causing disruptions on the roads.

      For instance, Waymo began operations in Nashville on April 7, 2026, and just five days later, people shared viral videos showing its robotaxis freezing at intersections and entering restricted areas. In December 2025, a power outage in San Francisco left numerous Waymo vehicles stuck at intersections across the city.

      This issue isn't confined to the US. Just a few weeks ago, many Baidu robotaxis halted on elevated highways in Wuhan, China, leaving passengers stranded in traffic for over an hour.

      NEW: Many Baidu robotaxis halted on the road in Wuhan, leading to crashes on highways and trapping passengers—some for more than an hour. One passenger reported it took her 30 minutes to reach a customer representative. Here’s a video of a crash. pic.twitter.com/fTitNMv8kj— Zeyi Yang 杨泽毅 (@ZeyiYang) April 1, 2026

      These are just a few instances. Numerous similar occurrences have been reported in recent months, where robotaxis have become immobilized for various reasons, causing traffic jams.

      This is occurring while robotaxis are still primarily in testing phases. If these issues continue to multiply, it’s easy to envision just how much worse traffic might get in the future.

      What comes next?

      Dr. Naz addressed this succinctly: “AVs are not inherently good or bad. Their effects will largely depend on how they are deployed and managed.” Without proactive policies before mass adoption, the self-driving dream risks evolving into a more expensive and modern version of a traffic jam.

      To justify this cost, autonomous vehicles must clearly prove that they are safer and more reliable than human drivers, which they have yet to accomplish.

      Rachit is an experienced tech journalist with over seven years of expertise in the consumer technology sector.

      This stylish electric sedan is priced under $32,900 and exceeds Tesla with a range of over 770 miles.

      Avatr has introduced its 06T electric sedan in China, and its impressive specifications grab immediate attention. The sleek car starts at ¥219,900, approximately $32,000, and boasts some surprisingly premium features. For that price, buyers receive a vehicle equipped with Huawei technology, an upscale interior, and an impressive range claim easily surpassing 700 miles in its range-extender version.

      Why this figure is significant.

      One of China’s most talked-about EV manufacturers is planning to deliver flying cars as soon as next year.

      Xpeng, one of the most exciting Chinese EV companies, is literally aiming for the skies. The company is optimistic about rolling out its flying cars to customers soon. While this concept sounds like science fiction, Xpeng has already begun discussing orders, approvals, and mass production plans.

      When can we expect these flying cars to take off?

      Volvo's parent company has unveiled a sleek electric sedan priced at $14,300 that is unlikely to reach US consumers.

      Official images reveal Geely’s new EV sedan, which boasts a claimed range of up to 550 kilometers, but this affordable model seems destined to remain outside the US market.

      Volvo's parent company has introduced a new electric sedan in China that targets a well-known pain point for US car buyers. The Geely Galaxy A7 EV presents a clean, traditional design along with a claimed range of 550 kilometers (CLTC), entering the market at a price that still appears remarkably low by Western standards. However, it is expected to remain largely unavailable in US dealerships.