Dashing through the snow with less stress
FOR those of us who will soon head over the river and through the woods to meet up with family, the holidays mean travel. Last year, nearly 100 million Americans hit the road during the season and the number only seems to rise each year. Thirtyfour percent of people find it stressful. Travel can also be timeconsuming and dangerous, taking some fun out of a joyous time.
Luckily, the latest and greatest tech is not limited to what is under the tree. Driverless vehicles are poised to make many of our travel headaches a part of Christmas past — and sooner than you think.
Just take a look at what is happening this December alone. Waymo, a leading player in the autonomous vehicle market, launched the first driverless taxi service and GM is focusing on similar technology.
And just in time for cold winter days, Elon Musk recently announced the next Tesla upgrade would enhance its ‘‘Summon’’ feature so your vehicle can come to you so long as it is within your sight.
What once seemed as far away and fantastical as Santa’s workshop is rapidly becoming reality. These advancements will be a wonderful gift for holiday travellers. Driverless cars will help reduce winter woes such as fighting traffic or finding the best route to our destinations.
Driverless cars will also make it easier for senior or disabled citizens who cannot drive on their own and who struggle with daytoday logistics such as getting groceries or going Christmas shopping. Groups like AARP and the National Foundation for the Blind have partnered with driverless car innovators to promote the increased independence and safety these vehicles provide.
In fact, a driverless car may even be able to bring the shop to you, as retailers experiment with autonomous grocery delivery.
Most importantly, driverless cars can help ensure everyone makes it home for the holidays safely. More than 94% of car accidents are caused by human error.
While the technology is not perfect yet, it is far better than most people realise — and the vehicles do not get drowsy, drunk or distracted. They could save the lives of many people who suffer from the consequences of bad choices made after holiday parties or on New Year’s Eve.
Even more of this technology is right around the corner. GM’s semiautonomous Cadillac Super Cruise driver assist technology will be available in all GM models by 2020. Families in Waymo’s early rider programme in Arizona have already experienced the daytoday advantages driverless vehicles provide. More companies have announced pilot programmes in cities from Washington to Frisco, Texas.
It will not be long before they are widely available for Americans to go dashing through the snow across the country.
The policy front is also full of good cheer. The Department of Transportation just finished taking comments on its recent ‘‘Autonomous Vehicles 3.0’’ guidance document, which provides a framework for how the federal government will regulate them.
It looks as if Dot will continue to encourage innovation by keeping regulations sensible, minimal and flexible, allowing companies to push the boundaries of what we previously thought possible while still keeping consumers safe.
While rednosed reindeer may be guiding Santa’s way, driverless cars may soon make it easier for the rest of us. By next year, maybe Rudolph can even take some time off. — TCA
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