As technology improves, computers aren’t the only things that are advancing every day. Self driving cars are here and people all around the globe have mixed opinions on these new vehicles. Self driving cars could be the future of transportation, making it a lot easier, but they could also create bigger problems that are not worth the risk. Overall, are they worth it?
Most car crashes happen because of a mistake a human made. People get tired, text, get distracted, or just simply make a bad decision. According to MilanFar Law firm, “Roughly 16,248 car accidents occur each day across the U.S., leading to around 6,235 injuries and 106 fatalities.” Self driving cars could be the solution to accidents, because they would always follow the law, and be alert. Over time this would also contribute to the amount of traffic. With less accidents, this would lead to less people slowing down on main roads, therefore people would be able to get to their destinations quicker.
Many people can’t drive. This doesn’t just include children, but also the elderly, and people with disabilities. Self driving cars can provide opportunities for these people to be able to go places on their own. Paying for an uber, depending on a friend, or taking the bus are not always options that are available at all times for people who can’t drive. Overall, self-driving cars would make them feel more independent and be much more convenient.
However, one of the biggest worries with self-driving cars is its ability to make a split second decision in a life threatening situation. For example, if a car swerves into your lane, there are two options: stay in your lane and receive minor damage, or you could swerve and possibly cause a massive accident involving others. A human would rely on their instinct and judgement to make this decision, which are two things cars don’t have. Self driving cars only rely on their programming, which would be impossible to predict.
While self-driving cars can be safer, helping people who can’t drive become more independent, and be more convenient, they will also come with a price to pay. They may reduce crashes that are due to human error, and change transportation for millions of people, but in unpredictable situations, relying completely on technology can be very dangerous.
