this post was submitted on 10 Jul 2023
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If you're over 65 I don't think actually driving is the only thing stopping you from getting around. Imagine your grandparents with a VCR and then imagine them using on of them "Google thingies" to control a car.
I’d expect it to be similar to setting up a phone for my grandma. Pre-load the addresses they’d usually get to, and have the car call someone in the family for help if anything goes out of the ordinary.
I don’t really see a problem with that side of things, tbh.
What you're ignoring in this hypothetical situation however, is that self driving cars won't be 'self driving' for long long time.
Level 5, fully automated vehicles (where the driver can literally be asleep, and doesn't have to pay attention or intervene) are a long way from being implemented onto public roads. Ill be surprised if we see level 5 automated vehicles in 2040 like many manufacturers seem to believe.
Oh it’s very much an “eventually” solution, and we should 100% have solutions for the acute problem we’re seeing now.
For instance, properly supported seniors would not have a need to drive at all.
Yeah that's fair and I very much agree!
Not every old person has someone who would help them with that. May not be your experience, but it's true nevertheless.
Nevermind that it's not a solution for people who can't get into a car (people in wheelchairs for example).
A self driving car then basically offers the same service as a taxi. And with a taxi you do not have to take care of the car (repairs, registration, etc).
A taxi would be, in principle, substantially more expensive.
And elderly people with zero support network are a separate problem, albeit a serious one. Also quite sad.
I do not agree that it is more expensive than owning a car "in principle". Cars are very expensive. You have to buy and maintain them.
Wether or not a taxi is more expensive will depend heavily on the amount and length of trips you have to take.
Also, for me it is not entirely a separate issue. Car dependent societies will alway have issues for people that cannot drive a car (children, elderly, disabled people). The real solution ist building infrastructure that is inclusive for all. This will also improve support structures. Self driving cars don't solve any of these issues.