rmc1148

Interesting but worrisome= its coming! https://www.yahoo.com/autos/see-how-...780821757.html

Dock

As long as we are not forced to drive these vehicles, and as long as Federal tax money isn't thrown in the manufacturers direction, then I have no problem with them. The problem is this will likely become a "government control" issue based on something like..."We're making driving safer and more fuel efficient" , which will lead to mandatory use of these vehicles.

rmc1148

My thoughts exactly and in my opinion it will definitely become mandatory at some point in new cars.

Dock

I will have a big problem with that.

rmc1148

I'm with you!

Carlo_Carrera

I am looking forward to it. I find commuter driving boring, tedious and pointless. I can't wait to get into car and have it take me where I want to go leaving me free to get other stuff done. My wife and used to live in Manhattan and we miss those days most for the simple pleasure of having a nice dinner out accompanied by a few glasses of fine wine and then being able to walk or taxi home. Now that we have moved to semi-rural an autonomous car could bring that back.

The only driving I enjoy these days is flat out at a racetrack and the very rare traffic free evening blast to a friend's house, praying the entire trip that a deer doesn't jump out in front of me and ruin my day.

As for it being mandatory? Most people in the autonomous automotive field say even computers will make mistakes, sometimes very big ones, so having it becoming completely mandatory all the time everywhere is not reasonable nor practical.

rmc1148

Not reasonable or practical= they said that about flight. I disagree but see your side of the argument.

Dock

Seems like this would be enough reason not to want the car.

Carlo_Carrera

I don't understand the flight connection?

Carlo_Carrera

There are going to be accidents whether a human or a computer is driving so what is difference? The average autonomous car will be safer than the average human Bozo driving out there now. I will play the percentages.

Dock

Regarding the reporter in the video and his take on driving in traffic; I have no problems driving in Atlanta's bumper-to-bumper traffic; it does not tax my skill set, even while driving a 6-speed. I always enjoy driving, even driving slow. Driving for me is an art form, and I get a lot out of the man-machine interface. Of course I generally don't like the time that is burned in bumper-to-bumper traffic, but watching the cars around me, and paying attention so I don't swap paint with anyone, is no problem at all. Paying attention though is the key, and the seemingly constant addition of "safety technology" is IMO a very fast way to actually decrease the level of attention a driver applies to his driving.

rmc1148

People thought human flight was impossible and then that it would never become practical for technical reasons especially for the masses. We do not share the same opinion which is fine.

tomc_mets

I'd like it for those long boring stretches we get our here in the wild west. Kind of like cruise control on steroids. But, like cruise control, the human has to get the final say in switching it on or off...T

Carlo_Carrera

That is great for you but it has no bearing on my opinion.

Carlo_Carrera

I still do not see the connection. We know autonomous cars are practical. And yes eventually way down the line it might be mandatory in most areas but I have a feeling you and I will be long dead and buried by that time so why should we care?