Yet another ground-breaking technology is being covered by global news outlets: Google’s new self-driving car.
Yes, you read that correctly. Self-driving.
For the last week or so, the vehicle has incited both positive and negative speculation. Some analysts have argued that the car will flop due to potential errors in its computer system, while others have stated that the vehicle will be hugely beneficial to the automotive industry.
Although it resembles a giant piece of rice with a face, the benefits of the vehicle’s safety and convenience mightily outweigh its drawbacks.
The Globe and Mail recently announced that the current prototypes for the car are bereft of steering wheels, brakes, and gas pedals. Run by electricity and an Internet connection, and with a motion sensor on its top that scans for oncoming vehicles and irregular surroundings, the car will take the user on a magic-carpet ride to wherever their destination may be.
Notice I say “user,” as the concept of a “driver” does not apply anymore, which isn’t something to be upset about! While some may see it as beneficial that the “driver” of a vehicle exercise physical awareness and social acuity while driving, the “user” of Google’s car will experience the ultimate in vehicle safety.
The car would provide freedom of the road for elderly and disabled people.
The motion sensor will be able to detect and respond to surroundings instantly and far more accurately than a human driver would. This may also be due to the vehicle’s current 40 km per hour limit, which, as CBC reported, would end speeding and provide intoxicated drivers with a safe ride home.
While it’s clear to me that the car would only be restricted to residential and other congested urban areas (rather than the highway), it could undoubtedly revolutionize inner-city taxi services, and eliminate yet another title: the designated driver.
Soon, the “sober” one will be able to pound back a couple more drinks and have a little fun with the rest, as the Google Car is sure to precede the automated-cab. (And, no doubt, the automated pizza delivery service.)
More important than late-night partiers and automated pizza, the car would provide freedom of the road for elderly and disabled people. It was a very sad day for my grandmother when a doctor stated that she wouldn’t be able to drive anymore due to her health; her tearful, unbelieving reaction had quite an impact on all of us.
A piece of life is lost when one’s ability to drive is revoked; for many, driving is a profound sign of independence. Google’s car will mean the elderly can maintain their driving freedoms, as well as allowing many disabled people a new freedom.
Certainly, this vehicle will not be for everyone. Because of speed limitations and autonomy restrictions, there will be many who opt to remain fast and furious.
Regardless of preference, Google’s self-driving car will accomplish ground-breaking progress in vehicle safety. While there is small potential for computer error, the car has the potential to eliminate almost every unsafe aspect of the road.
