This is a major step towards having autonomous cars running freely around the streets.
While this achievement constitutes a major stepping stone towards the introduction of self-driven cars, as well as a major disruption in transport habits, a few concerns could arise regarding the implications of this kind of technology.
Google is developing and testing this amazing driverless car technology and is currently in the process of proactively lobbying in favor of it. Consistent with his job as Director of Special Projects, Co-Founder Sergey Brin had the honor of co-signing the bill together with the people who are sponsoring this initiative. Regarding this event, he stated: "the self-driving car can really dramatically improve the quality of life for everyone"
In terms of autonomous transportation, this idea is not new since it is already being used in commercial and private means such as trains and planes. So, even though the transcendence is huge for something like this to actually become a reality, because of the imminent disruption over
certain segments of the economy, it should not be taken as a threat, particularly to the auto industry.
Among the main goals of introducing driverless tech are things like the possibility of enabling safer driving, or enjoying a more efficient and inclusive commuting, either because it could be optimized to suit individual needs, or because this kind of transportation could assist the handicapped, the elderly, the blind, or even the intoxicated driver who decides to let the car drive him home and save his life by returning uninjured.
In a statement which may very well be great food for thought, Mr. Brin even said he expects that "self-driving cars will be far safer than human-driven cars."
The bill by Democratic Senator Alex Padilla and signed on september 25, 2012 by also Democratic governor of California Jerry Brown will set up procedures and specific requirements for determining when and whether the cars are ready for the roads. California is not the first state to come up with this type of legislation. Nevada and Florida have already done similarly during the course of 2012.
Even though some car makers and a few critics remain skeptical, there is a tremendous amount of excitement among drivers and commuters about the significance of this concept, and there is also a growing curiosity regarding exactly how this kind of technology will impact people's lives.
Copyright Esteban Dobronsky 2012 © All Rights Reserved
