Monday, February 17, 2014

What's Your Take On Driverless Cars?

For nearly twenty years automakers have been meeting to create a new means of transportation: driverless cars. That is, we may sit in the driver's seat, but all the decisions will be run by the vehicle itself. At least nine states have been discussing legislation regarding self-driving cars, so we know that the issues this advanced technology raises will be getting some discussion. But is the public ready?

A Harris Poll showed that 88 percent of U.S. adults would be worried riding in a driverless car. Nearly 80 percent would worry about equipment failure of some kind, from brakes to sensors. And then there are the liability issues. If your car is driving itself and hits a dog or a child, is it the automaker's fault or yours?

Then there are those who fear a hacker will break into their computer system and either steal the car or maliciously drive it off the road.

The fears are many, and even if 95% of what we worry about never happens, it's going to be a hurdle for those who will be pushing for widespread acceptance. Then again, maybe the up-and-coming generation is going to have a different attitude here, living a life surrounded with technology from cradle-to-grave.

One thing for sure, cars will continue to have maintenance needs, one of these being the need for lubricants  to protect engines and drivetrain components. Whatever you drive, make sure you take care of yours.

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