Pros and cons of self-driving cars

Back in school when we would discuss the future of cars, we’d always talk about self-driving cars. However, at that time it seemed somewhat impossible or very far away from reality. But the truth is, that sort of technology has come to being and such cars that don’t require a driver to keep check the entire time have been invented.

As time passes by, more and more advancement in cars takes place and they move further towards automation. 

Where there are advantages, there are disadvantages as well. So when thinking about buying a self-driving car, it is important to keep both the pros and cons in mind before making a decision. 

Pros of self-driving cars 

Prevention of car crashes

A few years ago, research was done to find out what causes car accidents. It was found that 94% of the accidents that took place were due to human error. So when you shift the entire system to automation and computers, you minimize or get rid of the chances of human error meaning lesser crashes. 

Many times accidents take place due to drunk driving, speeding, distracted driving, etc. All these reasons end when using self-driving cars. 

Societal cost-savings 

This is an important factor to look at when discussing the pros and cons of automated cars. Research shows that if self-driving cars are used, they can help save a very large amount of money in society.  

You may think how that is possible but when you add up the cost of car crash repairs, lesser stress applied on hospitals, better transport system, fuel is consumed in a more efficient way it becomes a huge amount. So using such cars will not only help the owner of the car but also the society as a whole. 

Traffic efficiency 

Self-driving cars are equipped with technology through which they can communicate with one another. When communication can take place between them, they can travel in a safer way keeping a good optimal distance between them. Not only this, but they will use the shortest way that has the least traffic to help you reach your destination. 

Better access and mode of transportation 

At times when one doesn’t want to drive or cannot drive, automated cars come in handy and are also safe to use. They provide a reliable means of transportation from one place to another. Even old people or those having some sort of disability can operate a self-driving car without needing much assistance. 

This would also be much easier than opting for public transport when you can’t or don’t want to drive. You’ll reach your required place faster and in a more comfortable way. 

Environmentally friendly 

Autonomous cars are more equipped with electric motors rather than internal combustion engines. Aside from this, as self-driving cars travel at a consistent speed, lesser brakes will be used and reduced acceleration. All of this adds up to reduce any sort of emissions making it more sustainable to use. 

Cons of self-driving cars 

Security issues 

This is a major con when it comes to autonomous cars as they have a higher possibility of being hacked. If self-driving cars can communicate with each other, it means they have the same network protocol, making them more prone to hacking. It doesn’t have to be a big hack to cause damage, a very small hack can also cause loads of collisions on a busy road. 

Job opportunities reduced

Many people depend on driving as a career to earn money to make a living. With the invention of automated cars, the need for drivers reduces thus eliminating a lot of job opportunities. 

People who work as bus, truck, taxi driver all will need to find new jobs. 

If things continue to move with this pace, then even fast food delivery and Uber drivers will be replaced soon.

Initial costs 

When you consider automated cars in long term, they’re very cost-efficient but when you think about the cost of buying a self-driving car, it is very high. It’s how it goes with everything that is newly introduced, the prices are always touching the sky and as the new technology matures, eventually the cost comes down but till then automated cars are very expensive. 

Moral machine dilemma 

Many times while driving, you’ve to choose between two unfavorable options. In such cases, automated cars don’t have the right ability to make judgments about which one they should choose. 

Let’s say, the car has to choose between moving to the left and hitting a pedestrian or moving to the right and hitting the tree while keeping the possibility of injuring people inside the car. At such times, a self-automated car isn’t equipped well enough to make the right decision. 

However, research is still being done to make decisions that a real-life person would at such points. 

Machine error 

Like all other machines that someday develop problems, this car could as well, because, in the end, it is a complete machine. Let’s say, if any part of the software fails at any given point then it can put the driver at very big risk because he’s not in control of the car to make decisions himself. 

When we think about accidents due to human error, yes they’re reduced but it does not infect eliminate the risk of accidents due to machine error. 

Thus, it is very important to keep all of these in mind when deciding on whether a self-driving car is more beneficial than a normal car or would it cause you more trouble.