Are Americans Ready for Self Driving Cars?

by | Jun 11, 2017 | Personal Injury | 0 comments

Self driving cars sound great in theory. The idea of being able to relax and read a book on the way to a destination sounds very appealing. While self driving cars seem like the culmination of a dream, there are some potential issues that may get in the way of their use on the roads for a long time.

Sophisticated Roads

Perhaps the most important obstacle in the way of such cars is that of the actual roadways. A self driving car has specific road requirements that is not currently in place. This is not likely to change in the near future.

In order for self driving cars to be a reality, there must be roads that make it possible. Such cars need to have cameras as well as communication devices and embedded sensors that allow the cars to communicate with each other as the car goes along the track inside the road. The sensors also need to be in place in order to help protect both the occupants of the car and all those in the surrounding areas.

As one University of Michigan professor of urban planning pointed out, the infrastructure has not caught up with the development of the cars. This is something that has not always been apparent to those who write about this issue for the public. Furthermore, a study by the National League of Cities has found that only a small handful of cities have done anything at all to help prepare their local roads in any way for these cars.

Potential Costs

Another issue that may cause problems for those who want to buy or use self driving cars is just how much money should be invested in the infrastructure necessary to keep them going. Transportation funds can be in short supply in Michigan as in so many other states.

State officials question if the addition of specific structures to accommodate self driving cars is a good idea. They wonder if it might make more sense instead to focus more on regional problems such as maintaining local bridges and highways that are in dire need of funding instead. Other questions have also been raised. Officials wonder if this new form of transportation will leave the poor behind as they may not be able to buy self driving cars and these cars could take the place of the public transportation many rely on now.

Fully autonomous vehicles may be in the near future when it comes to their conception, but the necessary accommodations seem to be something in the distant future. Currently there are partially autonomous vehicles that occupy local roads and highways daily. The vehicles have a reputation of being hazardous and can result in a dangerous car accident. If you are ever involved in an auto accident, contact a car accident attorney at Michigan Legal Center for a free case evaluation.

Detroit, MI – Man Fatally Hit by Motor Vehicle on I-95 near I-75

Detroit, MI (June 1, 2023) - A Woodhaven man was killed after being hit by a car in Detroit on Tuesday, May 30.  At around 10:05 p.m., emergency responders were dispatched to the scene on Interstate 95 near Interstate 75. A 40-year-old motorist had reportedly run...

Inland Twp, MI – Woman on Bike Killed in Crash at Fewins & Lake Ann Rd

Inland Twp, MI (June 1, 2023) - A woman from Interlochen was killed after being hit while riding a bicycle in Inland Township on Saturday, May 27.  The fatal crash occurred early that morning at the intersection of Fewins and Lake Ann Roads at around 1:30 a.m....

Georgetown Twp, MI – Two Motorcyclists Ejected in Crash at Port Sheldon St & Chicago Dr

Georgetown Twp, MI (June 1, 2023) - Two motorcycle riders were hurt after an accident on Tuesday, May 30, in the area of Georgetown Township.  At around 1:02 p.m., it was reported that a motorcycle had crashed on Port Sheldon Street near Chicago Drive. A...

Banks Twp, MI – One Killed, Another Hurt in Head-On Crash at US-81 & Old Dixie Hwy

Banks Twp, MI (June 1, 2023) - A crash involving two pickup trucks in Banks Township left one person dead and another injured on Wednesday, May 31.  The deadly accident took place on US-81 near Old Dixie Highway at around 2:15 p.m. It was reported that a 2020...

Grand Rapids, MI – Several Hurt in Car Accident at Curwood Ave & Langley St

Grand Rapids, MI (June 1, 2023) - There were several confirmed injuries resulting from a car crash in Grand Rapids on Friday morning, May 26, and the victims included two children.  The crash occurred at around 9:30 at the corner of Curwood Avenue and Langley...

Dearborn, MI – Injuries Reported in Rollover Crash at Michigan Ave & Greenfield Rd

Dearborn, MI (June 1, 2023) - On Wednesday, May 31, a pileup crash in Dearborn left at least one person with injuries.  At around 6 a.m., the accident took place at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Greenfield Road. It was reported that at least one vehicle and an SUV...

Dundee, MI – Four Injured in Crash Involving Wrong-Way Driver on US-23

Dundee, MI (June 1, 2023) - A multi-vehicle crash involving a wrong-way driver left several people injured in Dundee on Tuesday, May 30.  The accident occurred that morning at around 8 a.m. on US-23. A 38-year-old driver from Plymouth was traveling in the wrong...

Lansing, MI – Driver Hurt in Crash with Semi-Trailer at I-69 & Vermontville Hwy

Lansing, MI (June 1, 2023) - On Tuesday, May 30, a driver was injured after a collision involving a semi-trailer in Lansing.  The accident was reported on Interstate 69 NB near Vermontville Highway at around 4:08 p.m. A gold SUV was traveling southbound when it...

Walker, MI – Motorcyclist Seriously Hurt in Collision at Alpine Ave & Hillside Dr

Walker, MI (May 31, 2023) - A motorcyclist suffered serious injuries after being involved in an accident with another vehicle in Walker on Tuesday night, May 30.  The crash occurred at the intersection of Alpine Avenue and Hillside Drive at around 5 p.m. It was...

Grand Rapids, MI – Two Hurt in Crash with Wrong-Way Driver at US-131 & Hall St

Grand Rapids, MI (May 31, 2023) - On Saturday, May 27, a crash involving a wrong-way driver and a police cruiser in Grand Rapids resulted in confirmed injuries.  The accident was reported at around 11 p.m. on US-131 near Hall Street. A state trooper witnessed a...