Silicon Valley appears to be intent on kicking humans out of the driver’s seat, and indications are they could succeed, perhaps within a decade.
Every week there are advances towards fully autonomous vehicles and, given the resources and effort being devoted towards that goal, it is a certainty, not just a scientific ambition.
Here at Driven we have experienced the remarkable capability of sophisticated sensing technology available not only on prestige brands but on new and more mainstream models such as the Subaru Levorg and Honda Civics.
Sure, adaptive cruise control has been with us for some time but the sophistication of the technology is advancing quickly, to an extent where predictions that the fully autonomous vehicle will be a reality within the next few years appears to be well on track.
Ford, for example, has set itself the goal of having one on the road and operating within five years.
Like other international carmakers, it wants to be first to offer driverless vehicles to be used as taxis — or car-hailing operations as the Americans are wont to call them.
Complete autonomy promises to ultimately make our roads safer, and reduce traffic congestion.
But the message seems to be to enjoy the driving experience while we can.