In just six months driverless cars are set to join motorists on the roads. The #10 million project is an exciting development in the auto industry, but is it something you’re looking forward to? Would you feel safe letting your car take over? Of course, you don’t have to invest in a driverless vehicle. Standard vehicles will still be available and you can find great affordable options here.

How safe will these cars be?

While the government and automotive industry wouldn’t put something on the roads that wasn’t completely safe, motorists are still wary of driverless cars. In a recent survey, more than half of motorists said they wouldn’t buy a driverless vehicle. As reported by the Telegraph, 60% of survey respondents cited malfunction was their biggest fear. It seems a lack of control is also worrying, with 56% saying they were put off by the idea.

Another thing that has caused some concern for 32% of respondents is the level of cyber security. If you regularly use a computer you know the risks of hacking and viruses. There is always a chance that the system can get hacked into. When you are sitting at home in front of your computer this isn’t a massive concern. However when you’re out on the road if the system was to be hacked into it could be extremely dangerous.

However, it isn’t all bad news on the safety front. Having an automatic system will improve some aspects of road safety. Speed limits won’t be broken and there will be no more need to worry about erratic drivers. The unpredictability of other drivers can be a huge concern. Often accidents that occur aren’t your fault. All it takes is for another driver to make the wrong decision. Driverless cars will eliminate this possibility, therefore making the roads safer.

Ruining the thrill of driving

It isn’t just safety that motorists are concerned with. The Guardian recently published an article highlighting the concerns regarding the thrill of driving. Many people enjoy the driving experience. It allows them to escape reality and there’s often a sense of adventure that comes with it. Driverless cars will take over and all you need to do is sit back and wait.

It is going to take quite a while before driverless cars become mainstream. However, early indications show that drivers aren’t overly thrilled at the prospect. It is thought that the cars will reduce fuel consumption and provide better traffic flow. There is also the additional benefit that it will help those who cannot currently drive under existing laws. The blind and elderly, for example, will really benefit from driverless cars.

Overall there are some safety concerns regarding this revolutionary new technology. However, there are some benefits that shouldn’t be dismissed. It could just take a little time for people to get used to the prospect of letting their cars take over. While it may currently be just a dream, in the next 5-10 years it is going to become a reality. Driverless cars are the future but a lot of work will need to be done to ensure they are 100% safe.