Articles
Advantages and Disadvantages of
Driverless Cars
What's
the Difference Between an
Autonomous and a Driverless Car?
Also called autonomous cars, robotic cars, and self-driving cars, truly driverless cars
were essentially the stuff of science fiction until relatively recently.
Definitions vary, but
autonomous cars
are typically defined as
versions of our current
vehicles that are capable of taking over from the driver under certain circumstances,
whereas
driverless cars
are even more automated and usually have no steering wheel
or pedals.
The involvement of Google (and now Waymo) in developing the necessary software for
the operation of these vehicles has increased public interest in technology and
functionality issues as well as increasing investment.
20 Advantages of Driverless Cars
1. Without the need for a driver, cars could become mini leisure rooms. Without the need
for controls, there would be more space available inside the vehicle and no need for
passengers to face forwards. In effect, they could be comfortable environments for
travel.
2.
Entertainment technology, such as video screens, could be used without any concern of
distracting the driver.
3. Human drivers often bend rules and take risks, even breaking laws, but driverless cars
will obey every rule and posted speed limit, making the roads safer for everyone.
4. Over 80% of car crashes in the US are caused by driver error.
These accidents would
be minimized or prevented by the introduction of driverless cars. Drunk and drugged
driving would also become a thing of the past.
5. Travelers would be able to journey overnight and sleep for the duration.
6. Traffic could be coordinated more smoothly in urban areas to prevent bottlenecks and
traffic jams at busy times. Commute times could be reduced drastically.
7. Driving fatigue and getting lost would be things of the past.
8. Sensory technology could potentially perceive the environment better
than humans
could, seeing farther ahead, better in poor visibility, and detecting smaller and more
subtle obstacles. Plus, several
cameras might be used at once, and cameras have no
blind spots, so they will be more aware and vigilant than a human driver ever could be.
9. Speed limits could be safely increased, thereby shortening journey times.
10. Difficult maneuvering and parking would be quicker, less stressful
and require no
special skills.
11. People who have difficulties driving
—such as disabled people, older citizens, and
children
—would be able to experience the freedom of solo car travel.
12. There would be no longer be a need for driving licenses or driving tests.
13. With fewer associated risks, insurance premiums for
car owners would go down
drastically.
14. Efficient travel means fuel savings for travelers.
15. Greater efficiency would mean fewer emissions and less pollution from cars, meaning a
lower negative environmental impact.
16. Reduced need for
safety gaps, lanes, and shoulders means that road capacities for
vehicles would be significantly increased.
17. Passengers will experience a smoother riding experience.
18. Self-aware cars would lead to a reduction in car theft.
19. Road rage will be reduced or disappear.
20. Parking can become completely automated with no need to drive around looking for
spaces. The car could even just drop you off and then go park itself, and return when
requested.