Ready Or Not: The Future of Self-Driving Cars and Inevitable Roadblocks

It’s clear to see; it’s only a matter of time before self-driving cars invade the market. Leading car manufacturing companies are gearing toward a generation where cars require minimal supervision from human drivers to run. From Audi, Mercedes Benz, BMW, to Nissan, each has a version of how futuristic cars should be. Packed with sensors, connected to the cloud, equipped with front seats facing backward, you can relax with your morning read while your car takes you to work. There’s no doubt that car manufacturers are finding ways to address what may be technological barriers. So, the only obstacle left is the law and psychological issues.

Related: Google’s Self-Driving Car Does Not Have A Steering Wheel

Would you ride in self-driving cars?
It looks good, but would you want to ride to it? Rather, would you want to get yourself a self-driving car?

We’re getting further away from when all you need to do when you’re behind the wheel is look on the road and drive. With the infotainment system installed in cars, it’s easy to get distracted. As we know, distracted driving can lead to accidents and cause inconvenience to more people.

On one hand, self-driving cars may help drivers navigate the roads smoothly, even if they let their mind wander. However, it’s also hard for us to understand a car driving itself because driving requires all of our attention. Driving requires so much attention that we may never be ready enough to take a seat and leave all the driving to the car.

On the market price and state regulations
Until human drivers are ready to invest in self-driving cars, market release or mass production of self-driving cars may take longer. Car manufacturers, for one, would need their investments to grow, while considering a price that may encourage people get a self-driving car.

It’s inevitable. We all need to dig deeper into the issue, and this includes lawmakers.

Related: Would You Ride In A Driverless Car?

For instance, should a human driver be liable if their self-driving car causes damage to anyone, without the driver inside it? How do you cross between states that approve of and do not allow self-driving cars?  Will self-driving cars automatically recognize where you are and shut-off in areas where they’re not allowed? We’ll see more about that in the coming days.

As a Kentucky Accident Attorney, I appreciate that technology can help improve road safety and driver convenience. However, I’m not sure about welcoming autonomous driving with arms wide open, yet. How about you?