Scribd
Upload
56 views1 page

Self-Driving Cars: Pros and Cons

1) Google has been developing self-driving car prototypes since 2009 that operate without gas/brake pedals or steering wheels using sensors and cameras. 2) These autonomous vehicles could significantly improve road safety by eliminating human errors like drunk or impaired driving that cause accidents. One study estimates they could save over 21,000 lives per year. 3) In addition to safety benefits, self-driving cars could reduce traffic issues through efficient "platooning" that allows cars to drive closer together smoothly like a train, freeing up traffic flows and highway capacity.

Uploaded by

Raj Saha
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
56 views1 page

Self-Driving Cars: Pros and Cons

1) Google has been developing self-driving car prototypes since 2009 that operate without gas/brake pedals or steering wheels using sensors and cameras. 2) These autonomous vehicles could significantly improve road safety by eliminating human errors like drunk or impaired driving that cause accidents. One study estimates they could save over 21,000 lives per year. 3) In addition to safety benefits, self-driving cars could reduce traffic issues through efficient "platooning" that allows cars to drive closer together smoothly like a train, freeing up traffic flows and highway capacity.

Uploaded by

Raj Saha
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

MARTYN

SAMPLE ARGUMENT: ARE SELF-DRIVING CARS GOOD OR BAD FOR SOCIETY


INTRODUCTION
Imagine being able to sleep and drive at the same time! While that may seem like a ridiculous concept, it may soon be a
reality. In fact, Google Inc. has been working on the prototypes for self-driving cars since 2009, and hopes to have the vehicles
available to the public in the near future. The cars have no need for gas pedals or steering wheels, because they operate
independently of a driver, using laser sensors and cameras for guidance. While this may seem unsafe, there is evidence to support
that the cars are more secure than the vehicles we have today. In fact, Google’s self-driving cars will not only improve safety on the
road, but they will also reduce traffic.

BODY I
There are many benefits that these autonomous vehicles have to offer. Most importantly, however, they will make roads safer
for drivers. There are people, for example, who make the unfortunate decision to drive drunk and endanger the lives of others.
Furthermore, individuals will often drive while fatigued, which can impair judgment, and lead to a car accident. Self-driving cars could
potentially change all of that. In fact, “According to one government study, computer operated self-driving vehicles will eliminate
incidents involving alcohol…[and] fatigue” (Jaconi). Perhaps most importantly, the self-driving car is likely to save lives. For instance,
according to a study by the Eno Center for Transportation, “if 90 percent of cars, trucks and vans were self-driving, in the region of
21,700 lives per year could be saved” (Jaconi). All of that being said, Google’s cars can make a significant and positive difference in
the way that society functions.

BODY II
In addition to improving safety, Google’s self-driving cars will also reduce traffic. Most people have experienced the
inconvenience of being stuck behind a mass of cars on the road. Not only can sitting on the road waste resources like time and gas,
but it can also lead to frustration or road rage. Therefore, minimizing the negative impact of traffic could significantly improve the way
that Americans travel and live. Google’s CEO Sergey Brin has explained that the vehicles could “potentially…operate as a fleet of
interconnected cars” (Oreskovic), which would improve their efficiency and eliminate stop-and-go traffic. Not only would this make
commuting more convenient, but it could also help to save money spent on gas. In a study done by the Eno Center for Transportation,
it was “noted that when a majority of self-driving cars are on the road, they can begin "platooning"’ (Jaconi). In other words, because
the cars would be able to communicate with one another, they could drive more closely together, like a train. As a result, “the negative
effects of stop-and-go traffic could be eliminated” (Jaconi). Additionally, it has been noted that this platooning, “would allow for
smoother traffic flows, reduce lengthy commute times and even increase highway capacity” (Jaconi), and increasing highway capacity
would also save the government money, which may help free up funds for other important social needs, such as education.
Considering the benefits that traffic reduction might have on both individual drivers, and the society at large, it’s clear that the self-
driving car has the potential to positively change how American society functions.

COUNTER/REBUTTAL
Google’s cars have a great deal to offer society in terms of both safety and convenience. Still, however, some may assert that
they are too high in cost. While this may be true, it is also true that the high cost will likely begin to decrease as the vehicles are
embraced by the public. As an illustration of this point, when smartphones first hit the market, they were significantly more expensive
than regular cell phones at the time. Now, however, because they are in such high demand, most cell phone companies offer the
phones at lower prices, in order to attract more customers. It is probable, therefore, that the same thing will happen with the self-
driving car. Furthermore, when considering all that the car has to offer, including the ability to save so many lives, it could be argued
that the cost is fully justified.

CONCLUSION
Considering the benefits that Google’s Self-driving cars have to offer in terms of both safety, and the reduction in traffic, it is
evident that they stand to change the future in a significant way. Most people, young and old, are affected by cars, because it is the
most common form of transportation in the United States. That being said, if technology offers a way to make traveling more effective,
it should certainly be embraced. Furthermore, utilizing these vehicles, because of their capabilities, will improve both driver confidence
and the assurance of pedestrians. As a consequence, this could change the very way that people live. In fact, not only could it
change how a person lives, it has the power to save their very life!

Common questions

Powered by AI

'Platooning' in self-driving cars allows vehicles to travel closely together like a train, enhancing road capacity and traffic efficiency. This feature leverages vehicle communication systems to synchronize speed and movement, minimizing traffic disruptions and improving fuel efficiency. The advantages include smoother traffic flows, reduced commute times, and increased highway capacity without the need for additional infrastructure investments .

Beyond transportation, self-driving cars can have several societal benefits by potentially saving thousands of lives each year through enhanced road safety. Additionally, they can lead to economic efficiencies by reducing infrastructure costs and freeing up funds for other social needs like education. The reliability of autonomous vehicles also assures pedestrian safety and can improve public confidence in transportation systems .

Reducing traffic congestion with self-driving cars would significantly alter societal dynamics by improving daily productivity and reducing stress associated with commuting. It would lead to environmental benefits like reduced emissions and fuel use, promote public health through improved air quality, and enhance social connectivity due to reduced barriers in mobility. Economically, less congestion reduces operational costs for businesses reliant on transportation and enhances the attractiveness of urban areas by improving accessibility and the quality of life .

The implementation of self-driving cars faces several challenges, including high initial costs, regulatory hurdles, and public skepticism over safety and reliability. There are concerns about job losses in driving professions and the ethical implications of decision-making in accident scenarios. Additionally, technological challenges like cybersecurity risks, liability in accidents, and the integration with existing infrastructure must be addressed for widespread adoption .

Self-driving cars can save money for individuals by reducing fuel consumption through smoother traffic flows and eliminating stop-and-go commutes. They can travel closely in 'platoons', functioning like a train, which increases highway capacity. By decreasing traffic congestion, they save time and fuel expenses for drivers. For the government, increased highway capacity reduces the necessity for spending on infrastructure expansion, freeing up funds for other social needs such as education .

The initial cost of self-driving cars is a barrier; however, this is likely to decrease with increased demand and production. Comparing the case of smartphones, which initially were expensive but became more affordable over time due to high adoption rates, a similar trend might occur with self-driving cars. Furthermore, the value offered by these cars in terms of lives saved and convenience could justify this initial cost .

With self-driving cars, there is likely to be a shift in how people use travel time, potentially transforming vehicles into spaces for work or leisure rather than just transportation. This could change patterns of urban living as individuals might choose to live further away from workplace centers due to ease of commuting. Behaviorally, the reduction in traffic and road dangers might lead individuals to adopt more relaxed travel attitudes .

Self-driving cars are designed to eliminate the major human errors on the road, such as those caused by impaired states like intoxication and fatigue. According to a government study, self-driving vehicles can prevent incidents involving alcohol and fatigue because they rely on computer systems for operation rather than human drivers who can be impaired .

Self-driving cars are likely to significantly improve commute efficiency by reducing traffic congestion. They enable smoother traffic patterns through their interconnected systems. This can lead to shorter commute times, reducing frustration, and road rage. In urban environments, this could mean less pollution and noise, improved air quality, and a reduced requirement for parking spaces, potentially leading to more green areas or space for housing development .

Self-driving cars operate without traditional controls like gas pedals and steering wheels through the use of laser sensors and cameras that guide the vehicle. These technological features allow the car to sense its surroundings and navigate roads safely without human intervention .

You might also like