...not with new GPS accuracies, high definition map data and LIDAR. I’ve seen it done, the vehicle stays in it’s lane better than a human ever could. Throw in some vehicle-to-vehicle communication and viola! ...they don’t hit each other either!
...not to say there’s no challenges ;) I think construction areas that challenge people on the correct action is one of them. Being an “assertive” driver in dense traffic is another (think rush hour and roundabouts), they tend to do nothing...just constant wait-loop.
Do you know how LIDAR works?
I do...its used at my workplace. And oddly, we can’t use it effectively in driving rain, blowing dust, falling snow, etc. Please think about that the next time you see a demonstration of a self driving car in sunny south California.
This is the problem with most ‘alternative fuel’ vehicles - the consumer expects a car to be available all the time, with no range anxiety, etc. The same problem will hold for a driverless car. There will be absolutely zero consumer demand, if there is a risk that bad weather will leave you stranded.