Are we ready for
self-driving cars?
“SELF-DRIVING CARS” might be on roads sooner than you think.
Proponents say they will free up driving time, reduce accidents,
minimize congestion and yield big economic benefits. Critics
wonder how these cars will perform in hazardous road conditions
and point to legal and ethical issues that need to be addressed
before we make these vehicles a mainstay on our streets.
What do you think?
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS TOPIC. On the Internet, search:
•“Unbelievable benefits and drawbacks of the self-driving car”
•“How driverless cars could collide with auto insurers”
•“Self-delusion and the self-driving car”
•“Top 20 pros and cons associated with self-driving cars”
•“ 10 million self-driving cars will be on the road by 2020”
INFORMEDDEBATE
•The high-speed computers and
sensors today seem adequate
enough for the job, but it will take
more than just adequate to convince consumers to forfeit their
power over their vehicles.
—Robert Wong
•[Consider] the adage “More technology, more things go wrong.” My
PC freezes up frequently. How will
this type of problem be fixed when
the computer fails/freezes while
traveling at 65 mph?—Patty Krupa
•It may reduce crashes somewhat,
but with a mix of driver and driverless cars on the road, there is still a
high risk of crashes. If all cars were
driverless, that’s one thing. But with
a mix it will still be dangerous out
there.—Larry Scanlon
•We have an almost 17-year-old
son with intractable epilepsy. This
would be a miracle for him as he
won’t ever be able to provide his
own independent transportation.
—Deb Micolichek
•Self-driving cars can’t come soon
enough. I’m so tired of seeing
people texting or using their phones
while driving; this will make it so
much safer and allow people to
stare at their tiny screens through
the entire trip.—Michael Cupp
•As I grow older, I think about the
time when I won’t be able to drive
anymore. With these types of cars,
older people will maintain some
independence.—Regina Thompson
YES FROM OUR READERS
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NO FROM OUR READERS
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