Even though there are only 1,400 self-driving cars on the road now, 55% of business owners believe that they will have a fully autonomous fleet in the next 10 years.
These cars have made headlines as they move from science fiction into reality. More people recognize the pros of self-driving cars, though plenty of people have a healthy skepticism about them.
Do you want to know more about self-driving cars? Read on to find out these top benefits that autonomous cars offer.
1. Fewer Car Accidents
One of the top causes of car accidents is distracted driving. It’s human nature to drift off and think about a million other things when driving.
You may want to change your playlist, look up directions, or see who messaged you while you’re driving. There are also drivers who eat and put on makeup in the car, too.
All of these things can cause an accident. Self-driving cars can reduce the number of car accidents because they rely on computers and sophisticated algorithms to operate the car. These algorithms do not get distracted by other things.
2. Independence for Elderly and Disabled Drivers
Elderly and disabled people grow increasingly isolated because they reach a point where they can’t operate a car safely. This impacts their emotional well-being because they have to rely on others to get to appointments or get out of the house for a bit.
Self-driving cars allow disabled and elderly people to safely get behind the wheel and get their autonomy back. This can positively impact their lives.
3. Better Car Batteries
There are a number of technologies that have to evolve alongside self-driving cars. Car batteries have to improve to meet the demands of self-driving cars.
Autonomous car owners expect longer battery life to handle long-distance trips. Car batteries also have to meet constant short-range trips to the grocery store and running errands as well.
You’ll want to know what questions to ask about car batteries before investing in a self-driving car.
4. Reduction of Carbon Emissions
These self-driving cars are going to make a difference in the environment and have societal benefits. You may have guessed that because autonomous cars place high demands on the car’s battery, manufacturers are going with electrical cars.
This means that there will be fewer cars and trucks that emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
On top of that, self-driving cars are more efficient. They don’t waste fuel by pressing down on the gas too hard and stopping suddenly. The computer understands exactly how the car is operated for maximum efficiency.
The Pros of Self-Driving Cars
Self-driving cars are the next big thing in the automotive industry. Tech companies from Apple to Google are starting to build their own self-driving cars as well.
There are many pros of self-driving cars. There are societal benefits such as giving more autonomy to isolated populations. There are environmental benefits like the reduction of carbon emissions. It’s exciting to see what the future holds for self-driving cars.
For more automotive facts, check out the Vehicle Safety section of this site.