Are You Ready for Google’s Driverless Car?

If we’re to believe a recent commentary on NPR, the American love affair with the automobile has cooled significantly in recent years. No longer does there seem to be the high pitch of excitement that used to occur each October when the new line of car models was introduced to an adoring public. Enter Google and its recent announcement that it’s working with a manufacturer in Michigan on an electric-powered, self-driving car that will totally transform the automotive industry.
Like some of the well-known car manufacturers, Google had been working on retrofitting everyday cars with sci-fi-type navigational equipment and computer software that would make them virtually autonomous. But states such as California, Nevada and Florida, which were open to the self-driving car in concept, required that the design still allow the driver to retain manual control in emergency situations. Based on preliminary testing, Google was convinced that it was safer to take the driver completely out of the driving than to expect him to take over manual control suddenly and unexpectedly. So the Google’s development team re-directed their efforts toward a totally driverless car.
The prototype for the 100 or more vehicles Google hopes to road test early next year looks like a cross between a Volkswagen Beetle and a golf cart. There is no steering wheel and no pedals in this two-seater, just a screen displaying the route and a rearview mirror that California law requires. A range-finder is mounted on the top of the car and sensors allow the vehicle’s computer to determine location and surroundings up to 600 feet in every direction. At a top speed of 25 mph, the present prototype is intended for urban and suburban (not highway) driving.
Although a recent Pew survey reported that 50 percent of Americans polled would not ride in a self-driving car, several automakers have predicted that by 2025 as many as 230,000 driverless cars could be on the road. That number could increase to 11.8 million by 2035 by some estimates. Improving road safety is one of the advantages proponents tout in praise of these robotic vehicles. In fact, the development of Google’s self-driving car has been led by Sebastian Thrun, a VP at that company who dedicated his work toward that goal following the death of a close friend in a fatal car crash.
For aging baby boomers and for individuals with disabilities that affect their ability to drive, the development of the driverless car would seem to be a most welcome technological advance. It offers the possibility of re-engineering transportation and transforming mobility for millions who otherwise would not enjoy the use of an automobile. A Google marketing video shows a person with very limited vision able for the first time to “drive” to accomplish local errands, because of the self-driving car. “Life changing” is his assessment of this new technology that promises extended independence and access to so many in our communities.
There are still hurdles to overcome before driverless cars significantly populate our roadways. Google has not so far revealed the cost to the consumer for these cars of the future, and lawmakers will insist that the testing periods be lengthy and thorough. But this new and evolving technology is positioned to revitalize America’s auto industry, while making the dream of “driving” a reality for many for the very first time.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Cape Assist is sponsoring two free workshop series entitled Take Control of Your Health: one at the Woodbine Community Center on Tuesdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., from July 1 – August 5; the other at the Cape Assist learning Center in Wildwood on Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., July 11 – through August 15. A free lunch is part of each session. Pre-registration is required. Contact Temerity Berry at 522-5960 or email temerity@capeassist.org.
• Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter is offering an early stage dual support group session, Learning Together: A Specialized Program for Individuals with Memory Loss and their Families, at Cape Regional Medical Center June 27. This is an informational and supportive group that makes it possible for families to learn more about the disease, as well as understand their feelings about the changes dementia has made on their daily life. For more information, contact Bonnie Kratzer at 463-4043.
• The Arc of Cape May offers a free year-round Saturday Arts and Crafts Program from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. for children/young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities ages five to 20. Participants also attend some community events such as the Harvest Festival and Fireman’s Parade. Lunch and snacks are provided. There are currently openings for this program that is held in The Arc Training Center in Rio Grande. For more information, inquire at PerformCare: 877-652-7624.
Pierson writes from the Cape May County Department of Aging & Disability Services.