Progress in technology has made transportation easier over the years. Car technologies like connected car IoT applications have already transformed the driving experience.
One of the major accomplishments in this regard has been self-driving cars. While the concept of driverless cars has been around for a while, it is only recently that the advancements in technology, laser equipment, and networking have led to this dream become a reality.
It is hence natural to be thrilled about self-driving cars. However, we must also carefully assess the advantages and disadvantages of using these vehicles. Here is a brief look at the pros and cons of self-driving cars.
Pros
Error-free driving:
The on-board computer system inside self-driving cars makes countless calculations within seconds. The technology behind that system is intricate and efficient. The on-board computer will inform you about the current speed, the activity of the nearby cars and even how far you are from objects. In other words, the precision of the computer leads to error-free driving.
Enhanced road safety:
A majority of road accidents happen because of human error. By removing the humans out of the equation, driverless cars greatly diminish road accidents. In fact, Google’s self-driving cars have already passed more than 70,000 accident-free miles. The modern sensor technology inside autonomous cars enables the vehicle to scan its surroundings with precision. As a result, there is an improvement in road safety.
Healthier for the environment:
One of the best aspects of self-driving cars is that they are not reliant on any damaging fossil fuels. Instead, these cars use electricity as their primary source of power. For this reason, these cars are healthier for the environment and are also cheaper to maintain. Moreover, driverless cars consume less battery power, produce zero emissions and consequently help in reducing air pollution.
Cons
Expensive:
Self-driving cars are undoubtedly an exciting mode of transport for the future. However, they are also very expensive. The complex technology that is used in creating these cars is unbelievably costly. For now, autonomous cars are out of reach of the common public. Eventually, however, the technology to create these cars may grow cheaper.
Risk of faulty technology:
While the technology involved in self-driving cars is undeniably exciting, it is also fraught with risk. It is highly possible that some glitch might emerge in the programming of the car after some use. These glitches or bugs may not be a big issue in mobiles and computers. However, a malfunction while driving an autonomous car may lead to dangerous accidents.
Legal conundrums:
Even if we manage to iron out the glitches in self-driving cars, there will be the issue of liability in case of accidents. In other words, who will take the blame? The reality is that we do not have the appropriate licensing infrastructure in place for such situations. The local car licensing offices would need to find a way to license and control these cars. Moreover, they would also need to ensure that these self-driving cars perform as advertised while keeping public safety in mind. This may lead to complex legal conundrums.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that self-driving cars do provide a fascinating future in terms of making transportation convenient. When car technologies like connected car IoT applications have already become a part of our lives, then autonomous cars too can find a way into our daily commute. However, we would have to tread with caution before accepting this technology without reservations.
