Currently, a handful of car manufacturers are including some form of self-driving technology in their vehicles. Others are likely going to include it in their vehicles at some point in the future. Allowing the car to guide itself down the highway can make it easier to survive longer trips or that boring commute to work. However, it may also have a significant impact on roadway safety.
Computers Won’t Get Distracted
Perhaps the biggest benefit to allowing the car to drive is that it won’t get tired no matter how long you ask it to operate. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about the car getting distracted by a phone or impaired by drugs or alcohol. Even though most states, including Florida ban texting while driving, many drivers still use smart phones when behind the wheel. Distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of dangerous car accidents. In other words, you won’t have to worry about a mistake occurring because of human error. Of course, this doesn’t mean that the software won’t encounter a glitch, so you should still be at attention at all times.
Computers Can Make More Precise Decisions
Self-driving technology isn’t perfect when it comes to making lane changes or encountering detours in the road. This is another reason why you have to be ready to take over even when self-driving mode is activated. Therefore, it’s possible that the vehicle might contribute to an accident because it made a decision a human would know not to make.
However, when working properly, self-driving cars are better at judging distances, speeds and if there is something in the lane next to you than you are. Therefore, it means that you’re likely better off allowing your car to make those lane changes or merge on the highway on your behalf.
You Won’t Let Your Mind Wander
You may be worried that allowing your car to drive for you will cause a distraction. However, most self-driving car features have safeguards to ensure that you continue to pay attention. In some cases, the car will actually come to a stop if it thinks that you’re not looking at the road.
How Self-Driving Technology Benefits Others
Self-driving technology typically only works on highways or other dedicated roadways throughout the country. Therefore, you probably won’t encounter any pedestrians while using such a tool. However, the fact that your vehicle is constantly scanning the highway on your behalf can reduce your risk of causing a crash. Depending on what other safety features your car has, it may also be capable of reducing the severity of any accident caused by another driver.
As cars evolve, they will likely continue to gain greater control over themselves. If done correctly, this could mean the end of all car accidents or at least the end of serious crashes. However, for now, hands-free driving should be seen as a tool that can make your next commute during rush hour or road trip a little easier and less stressful.
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