Driverless cars are getting into accidents faster than human-driven ones. The controlling programs obey the traffic laws, and, for example, get rear-ended when trying to merge on a freeway. Human drivers regard the speed limit as more of a guideline than an absolute law--who knew?
It turns out driving is a social activity.
I can't remember where I recently read that the yield law when merging should be reversed, as the person on the highway has much better vision and control.
ReplyDeleteHe does, but he is also often more constrained by tailgaters and trucks in the left lane. In a pinch the merging one can safely brake to a halt (tough to get going again, though).
ReplyDeleteReminds me of the old joke that speed limits are recommended minimums.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how a driverless car would function in construction zones -- perhaps the most social aspect of driving.