The Power of the Driverless Car

Imagine getting to places faster and safer than ever before. Well you can stop imagining, because soon driverless cars will be able to take us anywhere we want to go (except oceans probably).

The government must continue funding and giving directives for autonomous technology development because it will improve the standard of living for everyone in multiple ways, not just owners of autonomous vehicles (AVs).

The most underappreciated point of why autonomous driving can help others is giving those with disabilities and medical conditions a chance to drive themselves in an environmentally friendly way. They would have the chance to make their schedule instead of relying on buses. It would also give new employment opportunities for 2 million individuals with disabilities’ (Ruderman White Paper 5).

Steve Mahan was chosen to be the first passenger in Google’s self-driving car. Mahan, who is blind, lives far from his local bus station and needs help getting around. After his self-driving experience, he said the car would give him the independence and flexibility to go to the places he wants to go to (Ruderman White Paper 26).

Mahan’s case could be just the start of a revolutionary driving trend. With more flexibility and opportunities, those who cannot drive themselves will suddenly find themselves in a better spot. Average wages will increase along with the quality of life index in many areas. The roads will be a much more hospitable place.

If the government continues funding driverless car development, everyone’s lives would be better. The economy will be transformed as people can take on new jobs inaccessible to them before. Organizations like the Ruderman Foundation and Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE) have written extensively about the advantages of AVs to many different communities.

It is clear that further grant funding and directives would give millions of people the chance to live their lives the way they deserve. Not only that but, it would make roads across the country safer to drive on and help the economy.

Here's what you can do now. First, make sure to read more on how autonomous cars work and what development has been done already. A book to check out on the topic would be: “Driver in the Driverless Car'' written by Vivek Wadhwa. Also, educate yourself on how driverless cars are being protected from cybersecurity threats. And most of all, elect public officials who want to invest in driverless technology.