The self-driving car may technically work, but it still has a few roadblocks to overcome before it becomes a member of our society. Are we going to be ready to accept this machine into our lives? What do we even know about the Google car? Well, for one, we know that it can drive itself and that it’s made by that tech company that made that popular search engine thingy. Turn’s out, there’s much more to it than that. Here are five facts you didn’t’ know.
1. A STEERING WHEEL IS HOLDING BACK GOOGLE
Yes, it’s not the new technology of the self-driving car that is holding Google back. It’s actually an element of the car we all know and the love. The steering wheel could be the difference between a self-driving car going from idea to reality. If a steering wheel and other elements of control are not included in Google’s car, it may not make it on the road.
2. SELF-DRIVING CARS ARE REDEFINING THE DICTIONARY
With the introduction of the car that drives itself, one must ask, “who’s driving?”. The court is wondering the same thing. They believe the term “driver” may need some adjustment. While an autonomous car won’t have a traditional “driver”, it will still be driven. So will AI need to pass a driving test?
3. A LICENSED DRIVER MAY STILL BE REQUIRED
Young children everywhere are crying in disappointment. The no-fun government monster wants to axe the possibility of teenage joyriding in autonomous cars. California has proposed a draft that would require self-driving cars to have a licensed driver while on the road.
4. ROBOTS WILL BE BROUGHT TO COURT
Google’s autonomous car has had its first at-fault accident recently. This brings up the question of who’s to blame. Will we see robot cars facing time due to vehicular manslaughter charges? Well, policy makers are working on that one, but it’s certainly a topic of concern.
5. A REVOLUTION HAS STARTED
This isn’t just the release of some cool new gadget. Google’s self-driving car has started a revolution in auto technology. A common aspect of our everyday lives is set to change entirely. Its future has the potential to prevent the deaths of thousands every day, but for this to happen, the government has to work out some kinks. Whatever they come up with will lay the foundation for the future of autonomous driving. What was once a futuristic daydream, is now cold, hard reality.
