This
week I saw a news story (on YouTube mind you – not the TV or a more common news
site) about the successful execution of Google’s self-driving car. A legally blind man climbed into the drivers’
seat (under the close supervision of Google engineers & cameramen, of
course) and went for a drive to Taco Bell drive through. Yes – you read that correctly, a legally
blind man ‘drove’ a car!
Although these cars aren’t on the
market yet, they are a token of the future.
Using sensors the car successfully stopped at stoplights and stop signs
and navigated the narrow path next to Taco Bell BY ITSELF.
The thing that interests me the most
here is the cultural changes that the future promises to bring. Upon this drive, Google spent a long time in
their legal department ensuring they wouldn’t be arrested on this drive. There were a few differences between Nevada
and California, so they chose to make the drive in California, under the
supervision of the police department.
The cars also have some of the same characteristics as a car in Drivers’
Ed – so the person in the passenger seat has the ability to course-correct if
necessary.
What will happen if or when these
types of cars become prevalent? How much
will legislature have to change if it’s a car malfunction instead of a speeding
person? What would happen if there were
self-piloting cars and regular drivers on the road simultaneously? Is this safe?
Will drivers ed become
obsolete? Will people still have to
learn to drive or can anyone just get into cars and go? Will we have to wait until 16 to get behind
the wheel or can we go as soon as we figure out how to work it?
It’s easy to see that with new
technology come new concerns. Many of
the questions I’ve asked could be generalized as technology continues to
advance. How will lawmakers be able to
keep up with the life-changing technology we’re beginning to see?
A question for my readers: Would you be comfortable getting into a car
that wasn’t controlled manually? Why or
why not?
After watching enough videos of
successful drives such as this one, I think I would do it, especially in
Pennsylvania – there aren’t as many obstacles or accidents-to-be here. I would be very hesitant to use it in a city,
but that reflects my regular driving right now!
I avoid city driving when possible, but prefer to be in control
otherwise!
Works Cited:
"Google Drives Blind Guy to Taco
Bell?!" SourceFed. YouTube, 02 Apr. 2012. Web. 2 Apr. 2012.
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQeoCOe-NTo>.
Hachman, Mark. "Police: Blind
Driver's Trip in Google's Self-Driving Car Was Legal." PCMAG.
PCMAG.com, 29 Mar. 2012. Web. 2 Apr. 2012.
<http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2402380,00.asp>.
I would be comfortable getting into a car that wasn't controlled manually. I trust machines more than I trust myself, to be honest. A person can fall asleep at the wheel or run a stop sign because he/she is not paying attention. The kinks would have to be worked out, though. I wouldn't trust it if there were any incidences where something went wrong.
ReplyDeleteLike we discussed in class, I think that innovations like this may lead into many more and unpredictable advances in technology. While we may not be able to pinpoint the exact extent to which this specific innovation will reach, I am sure it will influence many other entrepreneurs down the road. It seems like an incredible advancement for people with disabilities, not just the visually impaired. It will be interesting to see more about this in the future.
ReplyDeleteWow this is amazing! I think this is an awesome invention! I personally feel this could stop many accidents that occur from texting, talking on cell phones and even falling asleep. It is amazing that it can be used for blind people but it would also be convenient for seeing people in order for higher convenience which we all know is so important to us.
ReplyDeleteThis is incredible! I think it goes to show just how far we can go with the help of technology. I would feel safe getting into a car like this because technology can be more perfect then the human. It is wild to think a blind person could possibly drive, but also a great feat.
ReplyDeleteI think this is awesome! Its crazy that technology has allowed us to do this. But I think that I would have a hard time trusting a car to drive for me. Once I learn that an accident had occurred while in this car, that would be it for me; I would not be able to drive it until I know it is completely safe!
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