Self-Driving Vehicles Will Change The World In Some Unexpected Ways

Self-Driving Vehicles Will Change The World In Some Unexpected Ways

via Forbes, February 8, 2019

What are some unexpected ways self-driving vehicles will change the world? originally appeared on Quorathe place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world.

Answer by Gary Shapiro, President and CEO at Consumer Technology Association, on Quora:

Vehicle accidents claim more than 37,000 lives every year in the United State alone. And 94 percent of U.S. traffic accidents are caused by human error. Self-driving technology will save lives, prevent injuries and make our roads safer. Self-driving vehicles will also save us money, cutting the cost of insurance, licensing and repairs. Aon estimates that self-driving cars could lead insurance companies to lower premiums by 40 percent or more.

Self-driving vehicles will free up time spent in traffic or searching for parking spaces. They’ll boost productivity, increase fuel efficiency and eliminate many traffic snarls. Think of all the other things you can do in the car if you’re not focused on driving. Self-driving technology will unlock new sources of productivity and generate new avenues for economic growth, particularly for the 20 to 30 million Americans who are kept off the roads due to physical disability. Self-driving vehicles will grant new independence to these individuals, giving them the ability to enter the workforce and contribute to their local economies and societies and the freedom to travel to work, medical appointments, community events and family gatherings.

Self-driving vehicles will change the nature of our cities. We will likely need fewer parking spaces, and may be less likely to buy cars. Today, most cars sit unused 95 percent of the time. If we cut this in half we will need fewer cars.

With these possibilities on the horizon, it’s no surprise that three-quarters of consumers are excited about self-driving vehicles and two-thirds say they’re willing to trade out their current vehicle for a self-driving one!

See original article in Forbes