Advantages and disadvantages of autonomous driverless cars

Whilst autonomous driverless cars are still a long way off, as a mobile mechanic in Brisbane, we know that just about everyone has an opinion on these cars. At least once a week, one of our clients will bring the conversation around to this topic and not many have a good opinion!

So in this post, we thought to take a look at the potential pros and cons of these driverless cars (we won’t really know until they hit the streets), and wonder how they will really change our lives?

Advantages of driverless cars

As a mobile mechanic, we know that more than 90% of all fatal crashes are due to driver error, so you can easily see why driverless cars would be considered an advantage. Apart from saving lives however, there will also be savings in emergency and council services, both in attending these crashes and in repairing any damage to the infrastructure.

Other benefits include shorter commuting times to work, because autonomous cars can sense and communicate with other cars around them, avoiding collisions and maintaining a decent speed (avoiding choke points and traffic jams due to congestion).

People who can’t drive themselves, whether by choice or disability will also be at an advantage with driverless cars, being able to transport themselves and maintain their own independence. The environment will also benefit, because the early instigators of driverless cars will most probably be electric car manufacturers, resulting in fewer harmful emissions and better air quality.

Any mobile mechanic in Brisbane should admit that there are distinct advantages to these autonomous cars, but there are also significant potential disadvantages as well.

Disadvantages of driverless cars

If anyone can use these driverless cars, then does that mean there will be a big increase in traffic on our roads? If you don’t need a driving licence for an autonomous car then we might just see a rapid increase in congestion!

What about hacking into the computers that run these driverless cars? What about moral decision making – does the car decide to run over a young child or an elderly person – given only those two choices? Along with the potential loss of jobs (taxi, Uber, bus, train and delivery drivers), as well as the expected costs of these autonomous cars, there are a number of issues that need to be addressed before they will be seen on our roads. After all, if you love driving your own car, who really wants a car you can’t drive?

If you need a mobile mechanic in Brisbane, call Premium Mechanical Services on 0422 156 277 or send us an email.