Driverless cars or autonomous vehicles are likely to dominate roads shortly, and it is going to affect our lives in more ways than we can imagine. While the reality of driverless cars is still far off, it will happen eventually, and when it does, we should be ready for it. This is why understanding the pros and cons of autonomous vehicles becomes essential for one and all.

According to a Budget Direct Motor Insurance survey, more than 50% of Australians surveyed feel that driverless vehicles can be dangerous and are not keen to use these even when they become available. However, one cannot write these off until they start operating on the roads. But, what is clear is that there will be long-reaching effects for all industries and people. So, know the following pros and cons of autonomous vehicles to make the right decision:

Pros:

• Driverless cars on roads will translate into huge economic benefits once they get completely integrated with transportation systems. It will lead to a massive reduction in road accidents that will save a lot of money for countries known for high road crashes.
• Most road accidents happen because of driver errors and negligence; factors like drunk driving, speeding, and distractions are known to be responsible for crashes. Crashes lead to an incredible number of deaths every year, to the tune of 100 people in a country like Australia alone. When there is no manual driving, the chances of fatalities will be less because autonomous vehicles do away with human errors.
• Autonomous vehicles are the perfect solutions for people who cannot drive because of old age or due to some physical disability. When vehicles are completely automated, they can move around easily; there is no need for driving tests and licenses. People who were earlier considered a risk can now use technology that will keep them and others away from any danger.
• Driverless cars mean lesser commuting times. Automatic brakes will prevent the chances of nose-to-tail crashes. Cars can move at uniform distances from one another. Since the incidence of crashes will be reduced, speed limits will be increased, making it possible for people to reach their destinations faster.
• The use of electric vehicles will reduce fuel emission, and this will benefit the environment, making pollution less.

Cons:

• One of the most significant drawbacks of driverless vehicles is that the number of cars may go up since people who earlier could not drive cars will now be able to do so thanks to technology.
• Like any computer system, autonomous vehicles can also be susceptible to hacks. They run on programs, and no computer system is infallible. So, if a hacker can successfully penetrate your car’s computer system, it can easily reprogram it.
• With autonomous vehicles taking over the roads, it would lead to a huge loss of jobs. When humans are no longer needed for driving, these out-of-job people will need an alternative livelihood. For instance, taxi drivers, truck drivers, and Uber drivers will be affected.
• Like any new advanced technology which has taken many years to develop, such driverless cars’ costs will be steep.