Actually, I think this will happen slowly once the technology becomes reliable and proven (can't have the car reboot while driving, for example). Once insurance companies like what they see, they will start discounting rates for the additional safety features and reduced risk. States will continue to require licenses for "drivers" - at least for the first decade, maybe longer. Initially, these cars will reduce risk; there will also still be many people continuing to drive their older cars for many years. They will also slowly alleviate congestion by smoothing traffic flow. I would guess it will take a few decades before actual driving becomes a rarity (and quite expensive for those actual drivers). Many people who enjoy driving do not particularly enjoy commuting to work in congested traffic. I would also guess that these cars will start out with the option of driving itself or being driven and will be expensive.
Thank you, Mark Snyder -----Original Message----- All this talk of computers operating the car instead of a driver brings me to some obvious question. Will we no longer need driver's licenses? Who would be charged were an accident to occur? No more insurance worries? No more inspections to have to pay for? Less work for lawyers? Huge reductions in policing duties? No more speed and red-light running cameras? Far less work for auto repair facilities? No more DUIs? Will there be system compatibility issues between differing states or jurisdictions? I could go on and on. Look like a monstrously huge financial shakeup all around. States and counties suddenly lacking all the revenue generated through licensing fees and fines. Many repair shops out of business. Police departments will have to slash their workforces without the money generated by fines. ************************************************************************* ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *************************************************************************
