Behind the Ivy - Spring 2018

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

is because the safety features included in these vehicles will reduce accident rates. Self- driving cars could even benefit those with disabilities and free up police officers to tend to more serious crimes rather than writing up tickets and handling accidents. In fact, driver error is the main reason accidents occur according to Forbes . Limiting accidents would benefit insurance companies and the general public, since car damages and human injuries would both decrease. For all you conspiracy theorists out there, do you think insurance companies might be the ones behind the rise of autonomous vehicles? After all, safer vehicles would lead to less insurance payout. Something else to consider: what about all the millions of dollars of collector cars sitting in garages

right now? What will become of them and their value? The autonomous car is solving many current issues, or so it seems. But before you take a side with this innovative technology, let’s take a look at the cons. Did you know that five-year- olds today will probably never experience the joy and freedom of driving nor be required to obtain a license? Further, with the advanced technology in these cars, it is predicted that they will be a tempting target for hackers, jeopardizing not only safety, but also private information regarding personal identity, usernames, and passwords. Safety isn’t the only thing that will be compromised: employees will also be negatively impacted, as these cars will eliminate the majority of—if not all—jobs in the transportation sector. Some

jobs that may be impacted include those of taxi drivers, car repair shop employees, and personal injury lawyers, who will all miss out on a great deal of revenue. This could cause a spike in the unemployment rate and drag down the economy. Now, knowing the facts, I leave it up to you, the reader, to decide for yourself the position you’ll take on this new technology. Never take driving for granted, even when you’re stuck in 401 traffic, because one day you’ll feel lucky to have had an experience that’s no longer possible. This innovation is one that impacts us all, and one that we should all keep a close eye on.

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