Automatic Reactions: Autonomous Driving Uncertainties

Autonomous driving vehicles are another major step in the auto industry expanding its reach while making effective use of cutting edge technology.

Autonomous driving vehicles are coming. There’s no way around it, and we can already observe how rapidly this technology is advancing around us today. Yet, there’s still many obstacles that need to be worked around, such as how some systems don’t function properly in poor weather. Another factor that’s proving to be a sticking point is driver uncertainty. Some people tend to be skeptical to new technology anyways (for various reasons), but the thought of totally letting a car control itself seems to bother some individuals more than others.

Everyone's a Skeptic

The Gartner Consumer Trends in Automotive recently surveyed roughly 1,500 individuals about autonomous driving vehicles. Results of the survey found that roughly 55% of respondents didn't want anything to do with a fully autonomous vehicle. However, 70% of participants stated they would ride in a partially autonomous vehicle, or a vehicle that allows the driver to take control if need be. Personally, I would feel more comfortable in a partially autonomous car too, since I feel being able to control your car is key to not only having a safe drive, but an enjoyable one as well.

Perhaps the main reason individuals are so hesitant to adopt this technology is due to the fickleness of technology in general. Personally, I don't trust my electronics, since they're prone to some sort of "glitch" every now and then. Some may argue that if autonomous driving technology is fully integrated into new cars, crashes will become a thing of the past. However, who's to say these systems won't be prone to malfunctions? I'm honestly a little surprised we haven't heard more about crashes related to glitchy, beta autonomous driving systems! Let's hope it stays that way.

From My Experience

I've had a chance to go to dealers and test some vehicles with adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, lane keep assist, and other driving assistant features. While I think such features are pretty cool and may aid in tight traffic situations, it's important to remember that this technology is still incredibly fresh to the market. I noticed its easy to get complacent when using the adaptive cruise, but it's KEY that the driver remain alert at ALL times. Expect the unexpected.

Adaptive cruise control allows you
set a following distance and speed
relative to the car ahead of you.

I recommend that if you have a vehicle with these autonomous features, you read your owner's manual to become familiar with such technology on your car and how to disable them if you so choose. Also, I find it helpful when using the adaptive cruise control in a car to set the following distance to "Far", as this gives both the car AND YOU sufficient time to react to an emergency should the situation arise. You can generally find the adaptive cruise following distance button on your steering wheel near your normal cruise control buttons. Speaking of steering wheel... Keep your hands on it - AT ALL TIMES!

How do you feel about autonomous driving? Do you own a vehicle with autonomous driving features, or is it something you want? This is easily one of the most interesting, growing segments of the auto industry, and it'll be intriguing to see how companies leverage consumer skepticism while striving to become an autonomous driving leader.

For more on the survey mentioned and autonomous driving opinions, follow this link: https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/24/consumers-still-anxious-about-autonomous-cars-says-gartner.html

Until the next time, ROLL ON - Autonomously!

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