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Self-Driving Automobiles Will Save Countless Lives


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    Growing up in the heyday of the technological revolution, I've always been someone who has welcomed major technological innovations and haven't worried too much about the rapid speed these changes have come about. I understand why my grandpa and even my dad question the viability of automated transportation, but for people in my generation (I'm 36), I don't really get it.

    Computer assisted or fully-managed technology in all forms of transportation will eventually be the norm, especially in major metropolises. And to be honest, I'm 100 percent on board with it. Well over 90% of car crashes are caused by human error, resulting in an average of 38,000 deaths and 4.4 million injuries each year. That is an insanely high number.

    Naysayers will always stoke fear about "not being in control" if our transportation is automated, but 38,000 people die every year when they are in control! Does anyone honestly think that number would be higher if automated cars were the norm or do you think, as I do, that that number would be drastically reduced?

    I think it's time we start thinking big when it comes to personal transportation. If we don't then nearly 40,000 people will continue to needlessly die each and every year.

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    I agree with the death toll part. It's ridiculous how many people are dying every year from motor vehicle crashes. I think it would reduce the number of fatalities drastically. However, I do see where such tech would impede and possibly endanger the occupant of a vehicle. If a vehicle was fully automated, what do you do if you find yourself in an awful storm and need to park under a bridge. Or, if you were in a parking lot or on a road when someone decides to open fire on people. I would just hate knowing I couldn't take evasive maneuvers in situations such as those.
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    StarLord Wrote: I agree with the death toll part. It's ridiculous how many people are dying every year from motor vehicle crashes. I think it would reduce the number of fatalities drastically. However, I do see where such tech would impede and possibly endanger the occupant of a vehicle. If a vehicle was fully automated, what do you do if you find yourself in an awful storm and need to park under a bridge. Or, if you were in a parking lot or on a road when someone decides to open fire on people. I would just hate knowing I couldn't take evasive maneuvers in situations such as those.

    All about design at that point and how we program these auto-drive vehicles. They should have some ability to go on and off of auto-pilot, just like planes do now. Or situations that it's better to have a human assess the conditions over a machine.

    Don't think this will happen overnight. And I think the hardest part will be the transition, with those clinging onto old tech. But the #s to me are undeniable. This is a huge move into a much safer direction. And one we should embrace.