What do you think of driverless cars?
Are self-driven cars a good idea in your opinion?
Rory McCormack (Sligo)Nov 2011 Filed under: future cars
Expert answer
Hi Rory,
I don't have a strong opinion for or against the idea. I can see merit in the technology, but also major hurdles and potential issues. First, some good points:
- Potential to significantly reduce collisions caused by careless or distracted drivers
- Big gains in efficiency and fuel economy - on average
- Long-term could be used to transport people that cannot drive
- Could help ease congestion, especially on motorway networks
- Could eliminate drink-driving once and for all!
Some negatives:
- We all know that computer systems are far from infallible
- If something goes wrong, who is responsible? Legal minefield
- Would breed a whole generation that may never learn to drive for themselves
- I love driving and would hate for that choice to be taken away from us
We already have aspects of this technology in our cars right now, with things like Volvo's City Safe system (it can brake the car with full force if it detects a pedestrian in the car's path and the driver does not react) and Honda's Lane Keep Assist (where the car gently steers itself back on course if it thinks you're distracted) and it's likely they'll become more commonplace. Self-driving in really slow traffic may be next, though at all times a sober, responsible driver will have to be behind the wheel.
Fully autonomous cars are a long way off.
What are your thoughts?
Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Adviser@Shane_O_D