The idea of driverless vehicles may seem like another one of those fantasy future technologies you dreamed of as a kid but will never actually see happen, like jet packs or taking a shuttle to Mars. However, highways full of autonomous cars may come along sooner than you think. Several tech giants have been test-driving vehicles for years, and while there are still both software and regulation issues that need to be ironed out, the type of technology that will eventually power your self-driving car is already out there in the form of collision prevention and other safety technology. Here’s what you may be able to look forward to when these vehicles are finally widely available.
Cost
To start with, self-driving cars are likely to be expensive, but like a lot of new technology, their price may come down quickly over the next few years after their introduction as they become commonplace. These vehicles can significantly enhance your quality of life, so it may be worth spending the money. Keep in mind that this should all be part of a responsible approach to financial planning that includes building an emergency fund and reducing your debt. For example, if you have student loans, you should research the options for consolidation, which can combine several existing payments loans into a single monthly expense that could be lower. Putting away what money you can in savings means you will be able to make a big purchase like a self-driving car when they are available.
Safety
The vast majority of motor vehicle accidents happen because of human error. There are still a number of practical and ethical issues to iron out regarding self-driving vehicles and safety, but once they are being sold to the general public, you can look forward to traffic accidents and fatalities plummeting. Your car can’t drink and then hit the road and is immune to distraction, the temptation to speed and other behaviors that can lead to wrecks.
Travel, Transportation and Infrastructure Changes
Nearly every aspect of the travel and transportation industry may change if fully autonomous cars become a reality. For example, will you need to book a domestic flight if you can get in your car and sleep all night while it takes you to your destination? Will parking spaces and lots need to exist if everyone owns a vehicle that can drop them off and go somewhere else until needed again? What about the trucking industry? On the other hand, it is possible that vehicles on the road will never quite be fully autonomous but will always need to have a driver on hand who is ready to take the wheel. This would mean that drivers might be able to work on other tasks but would need to remain alert.
Dangers
There are a few potential dangers ahead. One of the biggest ones is the threat of hackers. Another is determining how a vehicle can be taught to make a decision in situations in which people are put at risk whatever action it takes. Engineers, lawmakers, insurers and others will need to come up with some solutions to these and other potential problems before a large-scale rollout can happen.
