Velodyne Unveils Partnership Webpage with MADD
Basic knowledge of autonomous vehicles explained in an easy-to-understand way
Autonomous Vehicles, a Solution to Drunk Driving
Can autonomous vehicle technology completely resolve the problem of drunk driving?

Velodyne LiDAR has partnered with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in the United States and launched an online education site on how autonomous vehicles can prevent traffic accidents.

This site explains the basic knowledge of autonomous vehicles in easy-to-understand terms so that anyone can understand it. This website, launched on September 30, is the first fruit of the partnership between Velodyne Lidar and MADD.

Simultaneously with the hosting of the Walk Like MADD event in San Francisco, Velodyne released a webpage featuring a video series emphasizing the dangers of drunk driving.

“Velodyne and MADD consider it important to prevent further casualties from drunk driving,” said Sally Frykman, Head of Education and Business Development at Velodyne Lidar. “Velodyne is convinced that fully autonomous vehicles are the best way to reduce traffic accidents and their victims worldwide.”
This webpage contains various content, including the animation 'Jane: A Velodyne Story' produced by Demente Studios. Set in the near future, this video depicts how self-driving cars can bring about the difference between two extremes: a happy evening and a catastrophe. In the story, Jane briefly falls asleep while driving on her way back from a concert with friends to celebrate her 21st birthday. However, since the rider technology works regardless of whether Jane is dozing or awake, it allows Jane to return home safely.

Other content includes 'LiDAR 101,' which easily explains why lidar sensor technology is the most important component in autonomous vehicles. It features scenes of the MADD police appreciation event in the San Francisco Bay Area, emergency rescue team activities, and the safety of autonomous vehicles.
Colleen Sheehey-Church, President of the national MADD organization, said, “The safety of autonomous vehicles is truly welcome news for us who have lost loved ones due to drunk driving and other causes,” adding, “MADD will continue to support the development of this technology and conduct public awareness and educational activities regarding the adoption of autonomous vehicles with partner companies such as Velodyne Lidar.” Sheehey-Church’s 18-year-old son, Dustin, died after being hit by a car driven by a driver under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

"Velodyne Lidar and MADD have joined forces because we cannot accept the fact that a fatal accident caused by drunk driving occurs every 49 minutes. Now is the time for fully autonomous vehicles to step up to completely eliminate driver error on the road and reduce or prevent accidents." "It is very important for the general public to recognize that autonomous vehicles are the best solution to this problem," he said.

Velodyne CEO Marta Hall stated, “MADD is an organization highly regarded not only in the United States but globally for its efforts to prevent drunk driving. MADD’s sole objective is to reduce the number of victims of traffic accidents on the road. We share this goal of improving safety,” adding, “We are very proud of our partnership with MADD as we believe our company’s LiDAR technology provides the best solution for driving-related issues. We believe that by joining forces, our two organizations will form a perfect team.”