Innovation is one of the factors that are fueling human progress. Over the last few years, the world has witnessed the development of technologies which underscore human genius and mankind’s desperate desire to develop new and innovative solutions. Driverless cars are among the innovations that have resulted from years of innovation and unwavering dedication. Such companies as Tesla have invested significant amounts in the development of the driverless cars. Recognizing the immense potential for growth that driverless cars present, other auto car makers have joined Tesla in creating driverless cars. Given that these cars have received the support of nearly all major stakeholders, it is only a question of time before they gain mainstream status. However, before the cars are permitted onto roads, it is important to answer the question of whether it is proper to allow their development. After examining the benefits and costs of driverless cars, the only responsible course of action is to permit the development of these cars.
The fact that they present environmental benefits is one of the main reasons why the development of driverless cars should be permitted. Jim Erikson (2018) authored an article in which he posits that mankind is poised to enhance environmental conservation when it invests more in the making of driverless cars. Whereas he admits that the process of making the cars could have detrimental impacts on the environment since this process requires huge amounts of energy, Erikson insists that in general, the driverless cars are beneficial for the environment. Citing the results of a study, he argues that the driverless cars are more efficient and will help mankind to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Erikson’s arguments highlight the need to allow the manufacturing and eventual use of driverless cars. Currently, humanity is struggling to reverse the damage that the environment has suffered as a result of destructive human endeavors. Driverless cars offer the world a unique opportunity to conserve the environment. Therefore, all concerned stakeholders should fully support the development of driverless cars.
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Erikson is not isolated in recognizing the environmental benefits of driverless cars. He is joined by Thomopoulos and Givoni (2015) who agree that as it adopts driverless cars, mankind will be able to better protect the environment. These scholars note that in addition to enhancing mobility, driverless cars will also reduce carbon emissions (Thomopoulos & Givoni, 2015). High carbon emissions are to blame for the phenomena of global warming and climate change. Mankind has been warned that unless it takes action, it risks compromising its future. To secure the future of humanity, carmakers need to invest even greater amounts in the development of driverless cars. The products that these firms make are responsible for the damage that the environment has suffered. By redoubling their efforts in developing autonomous cars, these firms will be able to redeem their image and inch mankind closer to eliminating the negative effects of environmental damage.
The mere fact that they promote environmental conservation efforts is not sufficient justification for allowing the development of driverless cars. In their article Pettigrew, Talati and Norman (2018) supply more reason why the development of driverless cars should be permitted. The main argument that they present is that these cars have health benefits. Some of the benefits that they identify include lowering the stress that individuals experience while driving and reducing crashes. Moreover, Pettigrew and his team predict that the driverless cars will enhance safety for cyclists and make it possible for those who are unable to drive to experience enhanced mobility. The various health benefits of those still unconvinced about the need to allow driverless cars onto roads should secure their support. The cars that are currently in use present health risks that include crashes and reduced mobility for those unable to drive. Since they promise to eliminate these risks, the development of the driverless cars should be fast-tracked.
Driverless cars will be marketed heavily with the goal of persuading the public to abandon conventional cars and embrace the change that the driverless cars represent. Given that carmakers hope to gain the trust of the public, it is important to consult the American people regarding their thoughts on driverless cars. The Pew Research Center carried out a survey with the goal of establishing the reception that driverless cars will receive when they are introduced to the public. According to the findings of the survey, a significant proportion of the American people are excited about driverless cars (Smith & Anderson, 2017). In fact, the findings show that as many as 44% of Americans would want to ride a driverless car. It is important to note that the study by Pew Research Center also established that there are many Americans who are worried about the risks that driverless cars pose. In particular, these individuals fear that these cars are not secure and are therefore not ready to be taken onto American roads (Smith & Anderson, 2017). While the concerns of these people are valid, they do not distract from the immense opportunities that driverless cars present. Therefore, regulators should work closely with the makers of driverless cars to accelerate their development. The following image shows the views of the American people regarding driverless cars:
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This far, it is clear that driverless cars are ready for introduction to the masses. However, it is critical to consider the views of those who fear that these cars are not ready for mass production. Belbachir (2017) is among these individuals. In his article, he cautions that autonomous cars “are still not ready to enter our daily life since they lack efficiency and reliability” (Belbachir, 2017, p. 109). Carmakers need to heed the caution that Belbachir issues. It is indeed true that driverless cars are a technology that is still in its infancy. There have been a number of traffic incidents involving driverless cars that raise questions about their safety and reliability. For instance, a driverless car developed by Tesla was involved in a collision that led to the death of the driver (“Tesla Car that Crashed”, 2018). This incident is not isolated. As a result of the collisions, carmakers have had to rethink their approach to security. Those who fear that driverless cars are not sufficiently secure to be allowed onto the road have good reason to worry. However, it should be remembered that the technology powering the cars is still young. As carmakers continue to refine the technology, it can be expected that the driverless cars will become safer. Therefore, while valid, the security concerns that have been raised should not derail the development of driverless cars. If anything, these concerns should motivate carmakers to work even harder to release safe, reliable and efficient products.
In conclusion, driverless cars reflect the future of mankind. As more and more of these cars are developed, mankind will be moving away from the conventional cars that have received blame for such issues as carbon emissions and traffic accidents. Driverless cars will provide those who are unable to drive with the opportunity to enjoy enhanced mobility. Moreover, these cars will spare individuals the stress that accompanies driving. One of the drawbacks of the cars is that they are not entirely reliable as they have been involved in several accidents. These accidents should inspire caution. However, overall, driverless cars are an intriguing technology that should be developed fully and at an accelerated pace.
References
Belbachir, A. (2017). An embedded testbed architecture to evaluate autonomous car driving. Intelligent Service Robotics , 10(2), 109-119.
Erickson, J. (2018). Maximizing the environmental benefits of autonomous vehicles . Michigan Independent , University of Michigan, February 15, 2018. Retrieved from: https://search-proquest-com.nuls.idm.oclc.org/docview/2002212344?accountid=25320 . Accessed October 14, 2018.
Pettigrew, S., Talati, Z., & Norman, R. (2018). The health benefits of autonomous vehicles: public awareness and receptivity in Australia. Australian and New Zealand journal of public health , 42(5), 480-483.
Smith, A., & Anderson, M. (2017). 3. Americans’ attitudes toward driverless cars. Pew Research Center. Retrieved October 28, 2018 from http://www.pewinternet.org/2017/10/04/americans-attitudes-toward-driverless-vehicles/
Tesla car that crashed and killed driver was running on autopilot, firm says. (2018). The Guardian. Retrieved October 28, 2018 from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/mar/31/tesla-car-crash-autopilot-mountain-view
Thomopoulos, N., & Givoni, M. (2015). The autonomous car—a blessing or a curse for the future of low carbon mobility? An exploration of likely vs. desirable outcomes. European Journal of Futures Research , 3(1), 14.
1 Image retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/2017/10/04/americans-attitudes-toward-driverless-vehicles/
