Despite their name, self-driving cars aren't a reality yet. Even with autonomous taxis operating in some U.S. cities, a fully self-driving automotive experience remains elusive. For now, these vehicles aren't capable of driving themselves entirely.
Currently, autonomous vehicles can attract speeding tickets if a human safety driver is present. Without a human onboard, they evade such penalties, revealing an unresolved legal gap. Practically speaking, penalizing an autonomous car is still largely theoretical.
The notion that self-driving cars could eliminate traffic by optimizing routes is exciting. Yet, these vehicles still add to overall traffic, much like regular cars. Therefore, their ability to truly solve traffic remains debatable.
The ethical framework for self-driving cars hinges significantly on their programmers. A conscientious programmer might imbue them with ethical considerations, but the opposite is possible too. It's a delicate balance, and it's crucial that we proceed with caution when these cars eventually become mainstream.
At their core, they're still cars. While you might choose to give them names like Simon or Mildred, it doesn't impact their functionality. Essentially, they are automobiles with enhanced driving assistance capabilities.
Since they don't exist yet, the question of trust is currently irrelevant. However, if they become a reality, exercising caution will be key. While AI promises advancements, it also poses potential disruptions, a theme often depicted in science fiction.
Self-driving cars, despite extensive discussion, are not available for sale yet. With concerns ranging from ethical issues to unresolved legal questions, it's vital to scrutinize their development carefully. For now, these self-operating vehicles remain more fictional than factual.
