The Costco Connection

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