If you’re familiar with technological trends, you’ve probably heard of autonomous, or self-driving, cars. While these groundbreaking vehicles might sound unnecessarily futuristic, they were designed to solve many of today’s transportation issues. However, while many auto experts believe autonomous cars could be a help, there are just as many people who see them as a hazard. To decide for yourself, consider the following list of pros and cons.

Pros

Improvements in Traffic Safety

The idea is that driverless cars will reduce accidents by eliminating human error, especially since so many collisions are caused by distracted or intoxicated driving. According to a report by the engineering and architecture group IBI, autonomous cars would lessen the impact of 90% of accidents. Eventually, self-driving cars will have the ability to communicate with nearby technology when necessary, such as by sending a message to the phone a pedestrian is looking down at when jaywalking.

More Space for Development

Another aspiration of autonomous cars is to increase ride-sharing opportunities. If people were to carpool in vehicles that didn’t have drivers, there would be fewer cars on the road. Plus, as these taxi-like vehicles would drive around—swapping passengers throughout the day—they wouldn’t take up parking spots. Ideally, this would create more room for private buildings and public spaces.

Cons

Unexpected Errors

While auto experts and manufacturers hope to design self-driving cars that result in fewer accidents and optimize the transportation process, they haven’t done so yet. This leads to much speculation regarding the reliability of technology, as even computers and cellphones are prone to occasional glitches. Unfortunately, technological malfunctions could result in even worse accidents than those caused by human error.

Urban Disadvantages

Ride-sharing apps have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, this is mostly in bustling cities where few people have cars to begin with. If ride-sharing proliferates through the use of autonomous cars, people might be inclined to purchase their own, and roads will continue to be clogged. Also, less parking means less income gained from tickets, which might force municipal budget cuts.

Whether or not you dream of having a self-driving car one day, you can feel confident in bringing your vehicle to Autoworks Collision Center after a crash. These trusted auto experts are based in Rockford, MN, and have been serving motorists since 1995. For more information on this local auto body repair shop, visit their website. You can also call (763) 477-6653 to speak with a friendly auto expert about their detailing or towing services.