How Would Driver-less Cars Change Motoring?

Hugh Pickens writes "BBC reports that as Nevada licenses Google to test its prototype driver-less car on public roads, futurists are postulating what a world of driver-less would cars look like. First, accidents would go down. 'Your automated car isn't sitting around getting distracted, making a phone call, looking at something it shouldn't be looking at or simply not keeping track of things,' says Danny Sullivan. Google's car adheres strictly to the speed limit and follows the rules of the road. 'It doesn't speed, it doesn't cut you off, it doesn't tailgate,' says Tom Jacobs, a spokesman for the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Driver-less cars would mean a more productive commute. 'If you truly trust the intelligence of the vehicle, then you get in the vehicle and you do our work while you're traveling,' says engineer Lynne Irwin. They would mean fewer traffic jams. 'Congestion would be something you could tell your grandchildren about, once upon a time.' Driver-less cars could extend car ownership to some groups of people previously unable to own a car, including elderly drivers who feel uncomfortable getting behind the wheel at night, whose eyesight has weakened or whose reaction time has slowed." Another reader points out an article suggesting autonomous cars could eventually spell the end of auto insurance.

Comments

Re:It just doesn't work

[humbleguy]

What are you talking about? I use Bing Maps because it is much better here than Google Maps. On top of that much faster too, as Google Maps seems to use LOTS of bandwidth. OpenStreetMap is good too, but Bing wins completely.

Re:It just doesn't work

[humbleguy]

But it also adds tons of unnecessary miles. Instead of going straight, you're now going along the grid lines almost doubling your distance.

Re:Sounds dangerous already

[geekoid]

Oh, tis wrong argument again. Please stop, you are wrong.

also:
" It's a safe speed." There are a number of factors to take into consideration. Speed is just one of them, so your statement is wrong.

"You'd get rear ended in no time not to mention road rage."
oh, it's the person doing 55's fault that you have anger management problems? nice

"Any driving system that doesn't adhere to this within reason is one I don't want to step foot in."
see, you are so caught up in excusing your desire to drive like an asshole you aren't actually thinking.
With driverless cars, the speed limit would be what everyone is doing.

Since you are removing the reason for a slower speed(LCD drivers) the speed limit will increase. Probably not over 65, because of fuel economy. Maybe open roads will be an exception.