Driverless Cars
It is a normal school day like any other. You bid goodbye to your parents, pick up your bag and walk out the door. A few minutes later, your school bus arrives. But lo and behold, there is no driver! It is a fully-automated driverless bus. Does this sound impossible? Not quite so. Let’s find out!
What is a driverless car?
A driverless car is a vehicle that is capable of navigating to a destination. In the process, it is able to avoid obstacles and park safely. It can do all these without the need for a human to step in. This is called an autonomous car.
Thanks to incredible technology, scientists are able to research, invent and accomplish much more than before. A driverless car uses a technology called an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system. This system is able to sense the car’s surroundings. The AI then processes the information collected. This helps the
car to operate the steering wheel and brakes, as well as avoid collisions. It can even track the car’s current location and destination using a software called Global Positioning System (GPS).
Why driverless cars?
Safety is one of the main reasons driverless cars are popular. Studies have shown that most accidents are caused by human error. We are prone to tiredness, sleepiness and inattentiveness, all of which could result in accidents.
With driverless cars, we could see these numbers drop. As driverless cars rely on AI, they utilise complex technology to navigate. They are not distracted by emotions or mobile phones. The computer in the car is also able to react quicker than our minds can. This prevents many potential mistakes.
Another advantage of driverless cars is that they can help those who are unable to drive. The elderly or the disabled will be able to reach the hospital and other destinations sooner. This saves time and brings about more convenience.
Disadvantages of driverless cars Just as technology is a feature of driverless cars, it can also be a doubleedged sword. Sometimes, technology can malfunction, and may not work as it is supposed to. In 2016, driverless cars that were being tested ran past red lights. In 2018, due to some oversight, a self-driving car being tested could not stop in time and knocked a pedestrian down. The pedestrian later passed away in the hospital. Hence, without some form of human supervision, we cannot leave technology fully unchecked.
Driverless cars may also impact the environment. This may mean having more cars on the road, which will lead to more fuel or gasoline being used and more carbon emissions released into the atmosphere, harming our environment.
The future of driverless cars
In Singapore, there are many plans to bring driverless cars here. In fact, driverless taxis may soon make an appearance in Singapore!