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Advantage and Disadvantage of: Self-Driving Cars

Many believe self-driving cars will never become a reality. However, automated driving is a reality today. Many modern vehicles have some level of automation.

As technology improves, autonomous vehicles will be more common. By 2030, the global independent vehicle market is projected to be worth $60 billion.

Experts are weighing the pros and cons of self-driving vehicles as we navigate into new territory. The Tesla AutoPilot pros debate, which touts convenience and safety, raises concerns about regulation, security, and liability.

Keep reading as we discuss some of the most common pros and cons associated with self-driving automobiles.

PROS OF SELF-DRIVING CARS

1. Prevention of car crash deaths
94% of fatal crashes involving vehicles in 2017, 37,133, were caused by human error. Computers that use sophisticated algorithms and systems will eliminate costly human mistakes. Auto-driving cars will prevent major accidents like drunken driving or distracted driving. Self-driving vehicles have the potential to reduce accidents by 90%.

2. Societal cost-savings
When weighing the pros or cons of autonomous cars, one of the most critical factors in society’s cost. Research has shown that autonomous vehicles can reduce the cost of transportation by approximately $800 million each year. In addition, reduced car accident-related costs, decreased strain on healthcare systems, more efficient transport, fuel savings, and other factors all can help contribute to overall cost-savings for society.

3. Traffic efficiency
Self-driving cars offer many benefits, including the ability to communicate with one another. The ability to communicate in real-time allows cars to travel efficiently and at optimized distances. They could also help you choose the best route so that traffic jams can be avoided.

4. Greater accessibility and choice of mode of transport
Self-driving vehicles could offer a safe and reliable alternative to driving for those who can’t or won’t go. Seniors and people with disabilities would be able to access a self-driving car without putting themselves at risk.

Self-driving vehicles would be an asset to cities with limited public transportation coverage. Self-driving automobiles can easily reach areas that lack infrastructure.

5. The environment friendly
The environment is an essential aspect of self-driving vehicles, pros, and cons. For example, an autonomous car will likely use an electric motor instead of an internal-combustion engine. Autonomous cars will also be able to travel at constant speeds, which will reduce the need for continuous braking and acceleration. All of these factors will reduce emissions and help to make our planet more sustainable.

CONS of SELF–DRIVING CARPERS

1. Security issues
Hacking is a potential problem with self-driving car technology. For automated cars to communicate and coordinate, they must use the same network protocol. A hacker could compromise large numbers of vehicles sharing the same network. Even a tiny hack can cause traffic gridlock or collisions on busy roads.

2. Employment losses
With the introduction and use of self-driving cars, people who depend on driving for a livelihood could lose their job. For example, it will be difficult for truck, bus, and taxi drivers to find work in the future. The automated cars could also replace Uber and fast food drivers.


3. The initial cost
While self-driving car technology may lead to significant cost savings in society over the long term, the initial cost of an automated vehicle may still be very high. According to experts, a fully autonomous car can cost up to $250,000 more. The cost of autonomous vehicles will decrease as technology improves. However, the barrier to entry in the early stages may be too high for most people.

4. Moral Machine dilemma
Another disadvantage of a self-driving car is the inability to distinguish between several unfavorable outcomes. Consider, for example, a self-driving automobile faced two possible effects.

The autonomous car would choose one of these options since both options are not desirable. The Moral Machine is an MIT-based project that collects data about real-life human decisions. However, the data collected shows significant differences between people groups, making it difficult or impossible to program autonomous cars.

5. Machine error
It is essential to take into account machine error when considering the pros and disadvantages of driverless cars. While self-driving cars are likely to prevent more accidents, it does not eliminate the risk of accidents caused by machine error. If software or any component of the autonomous vehicle malfunctions, it could pose a greater danger to the driver than if he were to control the vehicle himself.

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