MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2022, AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

 MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2022 - TECHNOLOGY WEEK EXTENDED

Last week I talked about technology - and realized I wasn’t even close to done - so I will continue this week!!!

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But, first, let me talk about the first electric washing machines.  (huh?)

It seems like such a great idea.  Instead of going to a lake or river and beating your clothes with a rock (the ancient Romans used urine to wash clothes and the 19th century people used lye).  It was better than the hand-cranked washing machines that worked but took a lot of effort.

Then because of Edison and electricity, electric washing machines where you put your clothes in selected a setting, and voila the clothes were washed.  BUT, there were problems with some of those early washing machines.  Belts slipped or broke and flew out and even killed some users. The washing tubs broke open and spilled water and almost clean clothes on the dirty floor.  

Washing machines were dangerous.  

But, over time they have been perfected.  Yes, rarely (really rarely), there might be a problem with a belt or with the machine - but 99% of the time the clothes come out clean (and even smelling good with a good detergent and clean water!!!).

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Okay, Karen - what is your point?

Well, inventions sometimes have some glitches in their early stage but go on to be huge successes.  (I can’t imagine going to a river or lake to wash my clothes!!)  So, autonomous (aka “self-driving”) cars might still have some glitches - but it is happening.

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So, autonomous cars will happen.

Do you want to go back to having to turn a crack to get a model T?  Do you want to go back to using a clutch (and not having automatic transmissions)? 

Over the years, cars have made improvements.  From better brakes, to turn signals, seat belts, backup cameras, GPS, and more efficient use of fuel, cars are much safer today than years ago.

So, why have self-driving cars?

As a senior driver, I can see great benefits.  I know of senior people where children took away their car keys.  “Dad can’t drive anymore.  He can’t see, he can’t hear, his reaction time is slow, and he is a hazard on the roads”. 

So, with a truly self-driving, autonomous car, Dad will get in and say “take me to the grocery store” - and safely and efficiently the car will whisk dad to the grocery store, drop him off and go and park someplace until he signals he is done on his smartphone.  

Car insurance will not be needed (of course the price of the car will be higher) as there won’t be accidents (okay that is hopeful thinking).  Dad’s car will be communicating with all the other cars on the road, with the highway signs, with the speed limit signs, and with the traffic laws for the area.  Human judgment will not be needed as computer sensors and computer vision will take over and determine the route.  

It might mean that car ownership will end.  If Dad needs to go to the grocery store, he uses the app, and one shows up within five minutes.  

Dad doesn’t drive at night because the headlights of oncoming cars blind him - not a problem now.  Dad gets into the car and says to Siri (or whomever), take me to the grocery store (Siri might ask ‘which grocery store), and automatically play Dad’s favorite tunes or videos.  

Dad (or even son) has been out and had a few alcoholic drinks and his judgment is impaired - not a problem, Dad (or son) can fall asleep in the car on the way home while the car handles the driving.

Sure there are potential problems - like snowfall or slick, icy roads - but the autonomous vehicle will adjust for the conditions (or, not go out).  

And, of course, there are other benefits.  Trucks won’t need truck drivers - who used to drive on too few hours of sleep.  (And - accident lawyers will be out of their jobs!!!)

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The only time somebody will drive is on the car racing circuit and even then, the safety features will overrule a driver’s bad judgment.  

I admit I like to drive. But, I also know that someday driving might be a burden to me and to society.  

How about those employees who commute to work?  No more “rush hour” traffic - the sensors can safely put cars within two inches of other cars and keep everything moving.  

(And, your guardian angel won’t be “white knuckled” watching you drive!!!)

Yes, it is going to happen.  Every car manufacturer is working on the issue, Tesla seems to have the lead, but it is going to happen!!

Change can present problems - buggy makers, blacksmiths, and saddle makers - lost their jobs when cars (aka “horseless carriages”) replaced horses.  

As I was writing today’s blog, I got this notification for Electrify  Expo - billed as “America’s Number 1 Electric Vehicle Festival” - with 1 million square feet of exhibit and festival space, and drive, ride, demo electric cars, e-bikes, e-skateboards, e-scooters, and more!!!  (I’ll have to see if I can/will go to this.)

Yes, LOVE WINS, and yes, autonomous vehicles will be the norm (sooner than later)

Karen White, October 24, 2022, ©