Imagine a scenario where your car is driving itself, effortlessly navigating through traffic while also adhering to all road rules. This might sound like a futuristic dream, but for some, like the driver of a Tesla Model 3 at the corner of Iris Ave and Folsom in North Boulder, this is already a reality.
In a moment that showcased the advanced capabilities of self-driving technology, the Tesla outperformed two human drivers in a left turn maneuver. While the flesh-and-blood drivers made a common mistake by swinging wide into the right lane, the Tesla followed the inside lane, as per the driver’s manual.
Witnessing this incident made me wish my teenage son, Milo, who is currently learning to drive, had been in the car. It’s a common belief that new drivers, like Milo, can benefit from observing the disciplined and rule-abiding behavior of self-driving cars.
The contrast between the developing brain of a teenager and the sophisticated algorithms of autonomous vehicles is quite intriguing. While both are in the nascent stages of growth, the capabilities displayed by the Tesla’s software are a testament to the future of driving.
It’s no surprise that major automakers, including Tesla, are racing to perfect autonomous driving technology. However, the road to full autonomy is not without its challenges, as evidenced by the federal government’s report on Tesla’s Autopilot technology.
While the Tesla software has shown remarkable capabilities, it has also been involved in several crashes, raising concerns about the need for constant human supervision. Despite these setbacks, the future of self-driving cars seems inevitable, much like my son getting his driver’s license.
Driving remains a risky activity due to the limitations of the human brain when faced with the complexities of the modern roadway. As I watch my son navigate our traditional car, I can’t help but marvel at the contrast between his learning process and the efficient decision-making of the Tesla.
As we transition into an era where self-driving cars become the norm, the advantages of automation, such as improved safety and efficiency, become more apparent. Cognitive neuroscientist David Strayer highlights the significant benefits of automated vehicles, emphasizing their superior cognitive capabilities compared to human drivers.
While the Tesla’s technology is impressive, it’s not without flaws. The occasional disengagement of the software serves as a reminder that there is still room for improvement in autonomous driving systems. However, the potential for reducing accidents and saving lives is a compelling reason to embrace this technology.
So, as we embark on this journey towards a driverless future, it’s essential to appreciate the blend of human intuition and machine precision that will shape the next generation of transportation.
