Your New Life Of Driverless Cars

Epoch Times ^ | 06/11/2025 | Jeffrey Tucker

[Ronaldus Magnus III]

In some areas, the driverless taxis are just loved by the criminals and gangs. 1-3 passengers who cannot drive away from danger. Just imagine 2 creeps in 2 SUVs. They block the front and the back. The taxi algorithm detects obstacles and stops. The creeps take all of the money, jewelry, etc from the passengers.

Many moons ago, I started taking driving defensively very serious. When I am stopped in street traffic, I always leave room between the car in front, so that if someone, something happens, I can escape.

We always keep our cars with full gas tanks.

The FREEDOM that comes from individual, independent mobility is a hallmark of America. In the Soviet Union, you needed ID (your papers) to travel outside your immediate area. It limited travel by ANY means. Bus, train, bicycle, or just walking. Without ‘your papers’ you were not allowed to leave. The dirty little secret is they did not issue ‘papers’ to 80% of the populace.

[dfwgator]

[norcal joe]

I like to do my own driving too. But there are lots of times, like when I’m traveling out of town, or going to a place with limited parking, etc., I’ve found that taking Uber is VERY convenient. However, I’ve had several recent experiences where the Uber drivers were terrible drivers. And one actually started nodding off while taking me to the airport for an early morning flight. Plus many don’t speak understandable English So now I’m thinking of trying a Waymo - they’re probably much safer than some of the ubers I’ve taken lately. And I don’t have to be annoyed with them trying to talk to me. :)

[Romulus]

As long as there are teenagers, self-driving cars will never take over.

Or certain minority groups.

Some people use cars for more than just transportation.

[Southside_Chicago_Republican]

I guess a driverless car is better than a bad driver. I have never taken Uber, but I have had some hair-raising experiences in taxis.

[toddausauras]

Lol.

[Dr. Sivana]

This is utter madness. In a culture in which everyone obsesses over safety—terrified of playgrounds and disease and strangers—we are all happily engaged in the craziest imaginable experiment.

We were handed the keys to two-ton piles of steel on wheels to every comer after a short test, taken one time in a lifetime.

In any case, you are likely as worried about the safety side of this as I am..

No. I am not that neurotic. I am not worried at all about the safety side. On average U.S. drivers are less likely to die in an auto accident than global drivers by a factor of ten.

I drive my son to friends, family to church, daughter to CAR SHOWS. My wife gets groceries and wants the car there when she comes out to load the trunk. A car cuts hours off of a mass transit commute and greatly expands my range of possible jobs.

Self-driving cars have a place, my nearly blind, aged mother gets human van rides as needed, but I could see a self-driving car eventually taking on that duty.

I live in Mesa, AZ, and Waymo is common. Here's what the author DIDN'T mention. Waymo does NOT go on Interstates. That's a big deal for most trips.

Self-drivers have a place. I do not see them dominating.

[Dr. Sivana]

Actually, the article DOES mention that they don’t go on highways ... in the last couple of sentences in a long article. Don’t be so sure it is because of local regulations. At highway speeds and oddball roadwork setups, the stakes are higher.

[one guy in new jersey]

Dang things looked like erupting volcanos when they were torched. Hot as the sun.

[kingu]

It’s absolutely hilarious that the Bay Area continues to try to call itself Northern California.

[VTenigma]

The numbers of driverless cars will increase until one takes out a school bus.

[Honorary Serb]

New!

[DIRTYSECRET]

I’ll say it again. No one will need a car. Uber it. The empty garages will fix the homeless problem. No insurance costs and fewer highway patrol.

[chalkfarmer]

Reminds me of Ray Bradbury’s short story from the 50s “The Pedestrian.”

[Paladin2]

“What about people in rural areas. We need self driving cars too”

Uh, NO we don’t....

[MayflowerMadam]

Is like one for shopping, medical appointments, and church.

[Paladin2]

GOOD POINT!

[Tell It Right]

[Paladin2]

15 MINUTE Cities are totally compatible with Waymo.

[No name given]

Tons.