The Problems With Autonomous Vehicles

The future of car automation, as some would say, has already started. Cars already possess the ability to alert drivers when to break; they can adjust their headlights depending on how much daylight is left, they know appropriate speed levels for economic driving, and can even parallel park and turn themselves on. The next step for fully autonomous cars is for driverless driving. Car companies have already invested in technology that allows cars to operate on the road with little to no human navigation. In fact, the technology already exists, but serious safety concerns are impeding their implementation. This article will investigate various problems with autonomous vehicles.

The Cost-Benefit Ratio

In theory, self-driving cars will cut the cost of transportation dramatically and will even transform cities. For example, autonomous vehicles will be cheaper per mile, especially because they are electric. They could also cut out the need for a car altogether, particularly for individuals living in cities. These benefits ultimately mean less spending money per pedestrian on transportation. But these changes could come at a cost. Self-driving car companies could one day raise their prices. Also, it's assumed these AIs will collect data on their passengers. At what point could it become a breach of privacy? What happens if a self-driving car refuses to let passengers out in a dire situation? Thus, the cost-benefit ratio will have to be carefully examined.

Continue reading to learn about the human element of these cars.