About the Possibility of Self-driving Cars in the Next Few Years

Since time immemorial, many people have been thinking of what the future would look like. Movies, such as the “Back to the Future” trilogy, have showcased the possibility of going back through time.

Although science is yet to close in on discovering a possible time-space portal, the thought of it fascinates people nonetheless.

Now, have you ever heard of driverless cars?

Before, many people thought it was just a product of science fiction. But with the recent developments in technology from the past few decades up to the present time, it is not impossible that this generation is nearing the turning point in which cars won’t require drivers anymore.

Indeed, the realm of motoring today is on the verge of an innovation.

In recent years, automakers have been working on what is called “autonomous car technology.” Carmakers such as Audi AG, BMW AG, Ford Motor Co., and Volvo have been slowly developing certain features that would allow drivers to sit back and relax as such cars operate on their own. One of these features includes the “autopilot” function.

Aside from these carmakers, Google, the giant web company known for providing Internet-related products and services, has also took on the path to autonomous car technology. In fact, it has already developed a dozen computer-controlled Toyota Prius units equipped with such technology. Surprisingly, after running some tests, these cars have already logged more than 300,000 miles without any accidents.

So far, only two states have recognized the testing of such vehicles. The first one to do so was the State of Nevada, and the second and the more recent one is the State of California.

Last month, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a bill authored by Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla. The said law establishes safety and performance regulations to test and operate driverless vehicles on the state’s highways and roads.

Incidentally, a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer thinks that this development will soon help in reducing accidents on the road. Most vehicular accidents happen because of driver error, and with autonomous car technology, it is possible that the roads will soon be safer than ever before.