Looks like the future is here and it is somewhat scary.

Carla

Carla

Senior Member
Location
Pa
Just when we have begun to accept the concept of Ubers, along comes the autonomous vehicle. Although it has been tested out west and on closed courses, Ohio is set to begin testing on the Ohio Turnpike. Out in Pittsburgh, Uber is going to start picking up passengers in these self-driving cars within the upcoming weeks.

I don't know, I mean I 'm all in favor of progress. However, heading down an interstate at speeds of 50-60 mph without a driver would probably make me a bit nervous. Then, maybe it's just me. How do you feel about this futuristic vehicle?
 

I would not do it on the highway. Maybe for local errands. Hell, I still get a bit nervous using cruise control, though in my new Volvo they have made it so that the car automatically adjusts its distance from the vehicle ahead, slowing down and speeding up automatically. I suspect the Uber vehicles will be similarly controlled. Still, it all depends on a computer and camera/sensor to be safe.
 
Well, you do have the 96 year old lady driver, who can barely see over thee hood. You've got the drunk. You got the teen texting. You've got somebody yelling into a phone. You got the one fumbling to hear some tunes. Then there's the one who is late and flooring it to make up time. You got the one stuffing food into his mouth. Then there's the one, who thinks it's OK to drive 19 hrs without any sleep. Computers don't do any of those things.
 
I have found it prudent to be one of the last to adopt new technology. What works fine in the R&D stage often has problems in the real world. Man made things have been known to malfunction.
 
I am not so sure. I don't like the idea of it myself, but think that it may be the answer a lot of older drivers need. As some find driving more of a challenge, this may maintain their independence.
 
No way.. Large potholes/road hazards, downed trees/power lines, wash outs, weather conditions, animals/bikes in the road, construction zones, and all those bone-head drivers mentioned in post #7 by fuzzybuddy. (Sorry about that fuzzybuddy, but it's a good list. :encouragement:)

Just to much going on for me to trust a computer.
 
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RadishRose said:
Yes Bluebreezes. I'm about to retire from that industry. I haven't heard anything yet in my department, but I'm going to ask around before I leave.
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I wonder about that too. Would auto insurance become obsolete? What if a vehicle develops a glitch and malfunctions and gets into an accident? Who's responsible? The auto makers? Or the owners for perhaps improperly maintaining the vehicle? Lots of questions here. It's a scary prospect if you live and drive in densely populated areas.
 

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