Driverless cars are becoming one of the most disruptive examples of the coming waves of technological automation in everyday life. Mixed views are roaming about as more driverless cars are being built, but one thing that most people have come to accept is that driverless cars are set to become the norm with most cars being driverless in approximately 10 to 50 years. Most individuals are aware of the effort and purpose behind the development of driverless vehicles in aiming to reduce traffic incidents and enhance road safety, but people seem to express somewhat more worry than enthusiasm about their widespread adoption. Others simply find comfort in driving.
Long Tran Nguyen, 22, from Busby (UNSW Student and Sales Assistant at Michael Hill) said:
“I like the idea of driverless cars but I personally I have always found it therapeutic to drive as I like to be in control and don’t like it when machines or technology choose what is best for me.”
Duncan Wong, 22, from Bankstown (UNSW Student) said:
“Trust also seems to be another factor in fuming pessimistic attitudes towards driverless cars. I personally don’t trust driverless cars. Driving has always been exclusively done by humans, and the moment we let technology take control, we are letting technology take over our human touch. In a way, the lack in trust reflects a form of anxiety that people are feeling in the face of rapid technological change.”
Jenny Din, 22, from Parramatta (Decision Specialist at CBA) said:
“I personally don’t think it is safe to leave my safety as well as the safety of passengers in the hands of technology. It will impact society and I can already sense a fear in an increase in traffic accidents and deaths. These humans fears we all have are of course of natural and normal essence, but we have also defiantly accepted its inevitability yet still harbour worry.”
Calvin Qian, 22, from Chester Hill, (Customer Service Consultant at NRMA) said:
“I think it will be safer. We accommodate a large number of traffic deaths because they come in very small numbers. Automated driving will be safer and faster. I’m keen to see how the road safety and rules change.”
***Interview subjects did not wish to be photographed***
