Why Don’t You Have A Self-Driving Car Yet? Part Two Outlines Some Social Problems

Why Don’t You Have A Self-Driving Car Yet? Part Two Outlines Some Social Problems

Map of places where the public can ride in self-driving cars Many people are disappointed they don't have or ride in a self-driving car yet, expecting it sooner. In part-one of this two part series (with videos) some of the key issues standing in the way were explored. Here in part two, some other issues, many of which are logistic and social, are laid out. Making vehicles safe, and proving it, is one thing. Another important skill might be called "road citizenship," namely being a productive driver on the road, not getting in other people's way, not impeding traffic, not acting unpredictably. In the early days, all robocars tend to be programmed to drive conservatively in order to stay safe. There is almost a dial you can turn between being conservative and safer and being assertive and not slowing traffic. The natural instinct is to turn that dial to "conservative" when you begin, but it can't stay there forever. Waymo is talking actively about being a good road citizen You might make a very safe car but it can't deploy if it's always getting honked at or blocking lanes while it waits for the safest moment. A notorious problem for