Self-Drive Cars Next Year?

[jno]

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/aug/18/self-driving-cars-allowed-motorways-industry-risk

I'm in favour of the idea, given that cars are less likely to be drunk and aggressive, but I wonder if the technology will really be there by 2021?

[dannyk13]

I think the police motorway patrols are going to be a bit busy.

[ToraToraTora]

well, it's basically cruise control with knobs on but they'll have to change the law if drivers are going to be allowed to take their hands off the wheel.

[gingejbee]

My car already has adaptive cruise control, lane assist, autonomous braking etc. All I need is a long piece of wire to connect them all together and I'm good to go.....without needing my hands!

[dannyk13]

//change the law if drivers are going to be allowed to take their hands off the wheel//
So will it mean that using a mobile phone while driving will no longer be an offence along with many other driving offences that involve manner of driving etc? I think that it is going to need a new Road Traffic act.

[ToraToraTora]

I don't think you can make that assumption danny. If they do it, and I seriously doubt they will, then the new law will be framed to apply only to those cars that have the feature and even then the "driver" will still have to be "ready" and deemed to be in control. It's just too flakey in all manner of ways to possibly be allowed.

[SparklyKid]

Self drive cars, never. I would sooner have a drunk driver behind me than a computer.

[dannyk13]

TTT // It's just too flakey in all manner of ways to possibly be allowed.//
I agree, but I think it will happen, although possibly not as early as next year.If it does happen I can't see how the driver can be held responsible for anything that happens when the vehicle is in automatic mode,The solicitors are going to have a field day if this ever becomes a reality.

[ToraToraTora]

....imagine the insurance wrangles too. The legal, insurance etc problems are every bit as challenging as the tech ones.

[bhg481]

ginge - I get a discount off my insurance because my car has autonomous braking - do you?

[ToraToraTora]

SK:"Self drive cars, never. I would sooner have a drunk driver behind me than a computer. " - yep, I have worked with software all my life and I'd rather be driven by Olly Reed swigging Vodka that trust a computer to drive me.

[SparklyKid]

Avatar Image bhg481


ginge - I get a discount off my insurance because my car has autonomous braking - do you?

14:24 Wed 19th Aug 2020

Very strange, are you incapable of recognising danger and apply the brakes yourself. I would have thought the premium would be loaded if you have to rely on the car rather than yourself.

[ToraToraTora]

is that the Model X tesla BHG?

[bhg481]

sparkly - I am allowed to brake myself as well. It's just that if something happens whilst I'm checking my mirrors/instruments etc the car will look after me.

[bhg481]

TTT - no, it's a 12-year old Volvo.

[SparklyKid]

I prefer using my wits. Done me all right for the last 59 years.

[SparklyKid]

The only thing I trust to apply the brakes is my right foot.

[ToraToraTora]

what model, only cars that have it fitted as standard will get you a discount according to this:
https://www.driverknowledgetests.com/resources/insurance-reductions-for-drivers-of-vehicles-with-automatic-braking/

[ToraToraTora]

XC60?

[bhg481]

with computer-controlled ABS?

[SparklyKid]

I still say that if you are incapable of determining whether you need to apply the brakes and rely on the car, you should not be driving and/or pay an excess premium.