It wasn’t long ago that driverless cars only appeared in sci-fi plots. You’d have been laughed at if you’d tried to tell your mates that autonomous road cars would be a reality in our lifetime.
Now, the technology is edging closer and closer to allowing us to drive around without having to actually do any driving. Like a taxi, but without the need for awkward conversation.
Google, Mercedes Benz, General Motors, Nissan, Renault, Peugeot, Audi, Volvo and Toyota are among the companies developing prototype vehicles that use GPS, computer vision, radar, lidar and odometry to navigate. Lidar – like a radar that uses lasers. This really does sound like the stuff of science fiction.
Tesla has already taken a step towards autonomy in their vehicles by releasing an update in 2015 that allows one model to steer, park and change lanes by itself. Would you trust it?
However you feel about the idea, it seems that driverless cars are happening, so it may not be too long before you have no choice in the matter.
So what’s so great about driverless cars?
No drink & drive worries
Arguing over who is designated driver will be a thing of the past. You can go out and enjoy a few drinks without having to worry about whether you’re still safe to drive. As long as you can still locate your keys (or whatever we’re using by then), your car will take care of the rest. Shame it can’t come inside, fix you up a late night snack, and tuck you up in bed.
More free time
Imagine being able to send your car to pick up your dry cleaning or run errands for you, freeing up your time for more important things. While you’re travelling you can check your emails, read a book, or have a nap. And if you dread having to find a parking space in town, wouldn’t it be great if your car could just drop you off and then park itself?
Better road safety
Human error is the cause of the majority of car crashes. Tiredness and distractions (annoying passengers, mobile phones) cause us to miss hazards, drive too fast or too slow, misjudge other road users, and ultimately have an accident.
The technology in driverless cars means they have no choice but to obey the rules of the road, and they are fitted with sensors to monitor their surroundings. The result is much safer roads – a benefit we can all get behind.
Perfect parking every time
You know that one smug friend or family member who always gets their parallel park right first time? Well with the sensor technology in your driverless car you’ll be able to wipe that smile off their face as you park hands free.
Accessibility for everyone
Many people are unable to drive standard cars because of a disability or visual impairment. The world of driverless cars is accessible to everyone, with no driving test to pass, and this would transform the lives of people whose independence is currently restricted. That’s another thumbs up from us, then.
Less congestion
Since driverless cars are fitted with GPS technology, they always know the fastest route to your destination and can react to changing conditions. And without humans involved, they can drive more efficiently meaning fewer jams and no rush hour anxiety for you.
Revolutionised interiors
Car interiors of the future will be hardly recognisable, with car companies no longer having to stick to a standard configuration. You can forget about siblings arguing over who gets to sit in the front if all the seats face inwards and have their own TV screens!
Commuting freedom
In a world where the roads are safe, there is less traffic, and travelling by car is enjoyable, what would your daily commute look like? Would you be able to live further from your office and start your working day en-route?
A driverless car network could result in cities expanding much further into the suburbs, giving people the chance to live in an affordable location and still easily commute to work.
So it seems that driverless cars could change not only our roads, but also our way of life and even our urban landscapes. And what then? Well, we’re secretly hoping that the boffins are still working on flying cars that will zoom us along super highways in the sky. Until then, driverless cars are pretty cool too.
