Self driving cars are controversial. It seems like most people are 100% for or against this technology. The real answer is closer to the middle. Here are four major pros and cons of self driving cars. #1 will make you giggle.
I believe in looking on the bright-side, so let’s begin with four positive things about self driving cars.
1. Computers don’t get drunk.
Everybody knows it’s not smart to drink and drive. A lot of people do it anyway. Alcohol isn’t known for improving a person’s ability to make good decisions. If self driving cars are widely adopted, this could become a non-issue.
2. Computers don’t get distracted.
Most drivers don’t focus. They’re text, make calls, mess with the radio, and turn around to check on the baby. It’s hard to resist these urges. Self driving cars don’t struggle with these temptations. They have one purpose: drive.
3. People have short attention spans.
On the road, things can go wrong in a hurry. Want to avoid an accident? Then you have to react fast. That requires constant awareness, which is hard for Americans. Our average attention span is a mere 8.25 seconds. Self driving cars don’t have this problem. They are constantly aware.
4. Human error causes most accidents.
People love to talk about how scary it is to drive in the rain or snow. Bad weather doesn’t cause many wrecks, though. The greatest threat? Ourselves. According to a survey by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, human error causes 94% of traffic accidents. Most wrecks involved distractions and/or slow reaction times (see #2 and #3).
Now let’s discuss four not-so-great things about self driving cars. #1 is a big cause for concern.
1. Jobs will be lost.
Self driving cars could be bad news for many professions.
Taxi drivers, bus drivers, and even truckers are in danger of becoming extinct in the future. Automakers who fail to stay on top of this trend will fall behind, too.
2. Accidents are inevitable.
There hasn’t been a single life-threatening traffic accident caused by a self driving car… yet.
It will happen sooner or later. If someone dies, expect to see hysteria on the news. Don’t let that turn you against the idea. No technology is flawless. There’s always a learning curve involved.
3. Driving won’t seem as special.
I love to roll down my windows, turn on the radio, sing out-loud, and enjoy the open road in front of me.
I feel a connection with my vehicle. I know it will protect me as long as I take care of it. I treat my vehicle like an equal partner. Self driving cars seem more like slaves that do our bidding. I’m not sure I like that idea.
4. Regulation will be a nightmare.
Roads are governed by states. Technology is regulated by the federal government. This has created an awkward situation where different states have different traffic safety standards. What a mess.
Some regulators openly admit they don’t have the knowledge or experience needed to oversee this technology. Nonetheless, Google and other automakers are charging ahead. They might get to write their own rule-book.
I hope these pros and cons of self driving cars help you decide how to feel about this new technology. It’s not all good or bad. It’s somewhere in the middle. Share this blog on Facebook to invite your friends to the conversation.
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