Are We Ready for Driverless Cars?

The idea of cars that drive themselves may seem like something from a movie. But many companies have been testing self-driving vehicles on America’s roads for several years. And in some states, driverless taxis are already transporting passengers. But is it time to take our hands off the wheel? We asked two experts to steer us toward some answers.

I’ve spent almost 20 years working on the technology to operate driverless cars. I think these vehicles will improve life and be safer for everyone.

• Driverless cars have been tested on roads for millions of miles. Every mile teaches us more about how to improve the cars to keep people safe.
• As a result, driverless cars are safer than human-driven cars. More than 90 percent of car accidents involve human error. But we’ll never have to worry about a self-driving car getting tired or distracted.
• These cars will also make it much easier for people with disabilities and the elderly to get around.

For 15 years, I’ve worked to make roads safer. About 40,000 people die in car crashes in the U.S. each year. One day driverless cars may lower that number, but not for a long time.

• There have been several accidents involving these vehicles. In one case in Arizona, a self-driving test vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian crossing the street.
• The technology isn’t ready yet. For example, self-driving cars rely on cameras and sensors to help them “see” the road. But if snow or ice covers those, the cars can’t operate safely.
  
• Many questions need to be answered. Like who’s responsible for crashes—the owner, the passenger, or the car company?