Pros and Cons of Sleeping Behind the Wheel of Automated Cars

Self-driving cars use radar sensors and video cameras to detect traffic lights,

read road signs, and monitor any vehicles or pedestrians in the vicinity.

Autonomous cars use AI to chart optimal routes and provide safety driving

experience. That means we can snooze or play games while we zip to our

destinations hassle-free. However, this scenario raises significant questions

about potential drawbacks of relinquishing full control to automated systems.

Let’s take a look at pros and cons of sleeping while your car takes the wheel:

• Enhanced productivity

A fully autonomous car means humans no longer need to focus on driving,

allowing us to use time more productively. This newfound freedom opens

door to fully savoring the journey, now, every ride can be truly satisfying.

• 360° vision angle horizontally

Self-driving cars possess the ability to view the environment twice as much as

humans, who have viewing angle limited to 180°, otherwise, we have to turn

around to see what’s behind. This provides more safety driving experience.

• Fuel efficiency and faster travel

Autonomous vehicles are programmed to adhere to traffic rules which could

lead to smoother traffic flow, reduce traffic congestion and select the most

efficient routes.

• Technological failures

Self-driving cars lean heavily on technology, which, like any tool, can

occasionally falter. This could lead to a very dangerous situations on the road,

resulting in a human driver or pedestrian fatality.

• Cyber security risks

One of the potential cons is the possibility of hacking. Since self-driving cars

are internet connected, they are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Hackers might

steal your personal data and cause catastrophic accidents. So, make sure

your security is top-notch.

• Too expensive

Autonomous cars are pricey mainly because of their advanced technology,

which includes expensive sensors, complex software, and infrastructure that

revolves around 5G network coverage. Testing and ensuring safety also add to

the cost, along with regulatory requirements and limited production volumes.

While it sounds tempting to catch up on rest during a drive, we must consider

whether we can trust technology completely and if regulations are strong

enough. As autonomous driving technology continues to evolve, it’s essential

to weigh these pros and cons carefully, ensuring that the benefits of such

innovation are maximized while minimizing any potential risks to individuals

and society as a whole.