Over the course of the last decade a big topic of discussion has been automated/ self driving cars. These cars would be something out of a science fiction novel but the question is, should they replace human drivers? I believe they shouldn’t because there are many risks, such as hackers taking control of a car, also companies like Exxon Mobil Corp. could lose a lot of money, and many jobs will be lost, like taxi drivers. While you could argue that self driving cars are safer, I believe that the risks outweigh the benefits.
A big argument against automated cars are the risks of putting these cars out on the road. These risks include hackers hacking into cars and taking control of them. And even though automated cars have come a long way “testers are still sorting out hypothetical risks -like hackers-…”(text 2, lines 18-19) Other risks include things like what happens when an automated car breaks down on a highway, and in certain situations, having to take control of the vehicle which takes away the appeal of a self driving car. While automated cars are a good step into the future we can’t forget about the risks that will come with them.
Another problem is that if businesses don’t adjust fast enough they could see a huge loss of money. These automated vehicles will practice very efficient eco-driving practices which could lead to major oil companies like Exxon Mobil and chevron see a loss in profits. Also “Futurists estimate that hundreds of billions of dollars… will be lost by automakers, suppliers, dealers, insurers, parking companies, and many other car related enterprises.”(text 1, lines 12-14) Not only will independant companies be losing money, but the government will too via licensing fees, taxes and tolls, and by personal injury lawyers and health insurers. Because of automated cars major companies will crash if they don’t change fast.
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The most important problem is that because of automated cars many jobs will become extinct. There are arguments that self driving cars are safer and will lead to less accidents. But the amount of people, around 178,000, employed as taxi drivers will not be good for the job market, and that is only one field that will be out of work, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers will also be out of work and “ this field employs the most by far- 9 times as many people work as truckers than as taxi drivers, and it’s the most common job in a whopping 29 states.”(text 3, lines 19-21) Also mechanics and auto part manufacturers will face a massive drop in demand. While many people believe that self driving cars are safer, I don’t think it’s a good enough reason to take away millions of peoples jobs in an instant.
While self driving cars are a great idea, I believe that implementing them at a slower rate is the best way to make sure that this is a good thing for everybody.
