Driving is also the most mundane thing in the world - especially when you drive in traffic all day or have a long commute.
Sure, it's cool when you get your license at 16, but a year after you get your license the cool factor is gone and no one cares anymore.
That's like saying becoming of age to drink is part of human maturity. Yeah, it's cool when you turn 21, but again, a year later no one cares anymore.
Oh, perhaps so. But for me, the novelty of dashing out to the store at midnight, going where you want, when you want, whether by car or motorcycle, never gets old.
Between all the electronics, specialized sensors, and processors required in a autonomous car, you'll wind up with several desktops worth of equipment on board. (And Intel still won't be on a 10 nm process, but I digress).
A common state inspection will require and central server, and very likely, retraining all the mechanics in the industry, to have some college experience in IT. (Granted, that's speculation).
With the price of the extra elements incorporated into the price of even the most basic auto, the under 20K vehicle will be a thing of the past. (Like me, it would seem). And the price will place new cars out of reach for many. That will make a lot of money for Uber, but limit mobility of classes which are borderline being able to afford a car now.
So, be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.
The prices for parts on sport vehicles are way over the top now. That issue will doubtless escalate in the future. As it stands, my 1991 Honda 750 "Nighthawk", isn't charging. Honda wants $190.00 for a voltage regulator, and $600.00
(!!!) for the "alternator stator". (Which would likely be available as a "rebuilt alternator", for $50.00 or so, were the vehicle an ordinary Ford or Chevy car).
Again, be careful what you wish for.
Parts don't go out of patent for man years, and car manufacturers will have you by the shorties to a far greater extent than they do now. So when your "supercalifragilistexpealidocious" sensor server breaks, (god forbid), you'll need a second mortgage to pay for it.
Oh wait, most people rent nowadays, because the rich have sucked up a huge portion of available real estate, and charge so much rent, nobody can afford to save up for a home of their own.
So, poor baby, stuck behind the wheel doing the menial task of driving? Tough sh!t! You asked for it, you got it, self driving Toyota.
BTW, I pretty much stopped drinking when I hit 21. It's made a comeback with me, after Bacardi released "Oakheart", a seasoned rum made in oak whiskey barrels. Being a life long Coca-cola addict, this is the best thing that happen to drinking alcoholic beverages, since well, ever!
Don't worry though, I won't be on the road when I've rmbibed any. You'll be dealing with the skidmarks blinding you with their high beams, even thougjh there's a street light every 100 feet.
-Something I do recommend car makers could computerize and take out of the driver's control, the high beam switch. Now that would be a huge, and cheap, major improvement.
You can read a person's personality behind the wheel very easily. The self important won't dim those lights when they pass you, and the self entitled won't wave thanks when you let them go for a left turn.
And remember, those self driving cars won't be programmed to circumvent posted regulations. So whern you're on that long, monotonous commute, expect it to take longer. Car manufacturers won't allow a vehicle to exceed posted limits due to liability issues. The car will know where the troopers usually hang out, and simply won't give a damn. They'll just keep chugging along at 55 in a 55 MPH zone.
Happy motoring, from the Samsungs and Intels of the world.
