The ease of 'smart' vehicles on Nigerian roads

The world continues to advance in science and technology through explorations and experiments, bringing more ease and comfort to man as it tries to satiate the ecosystem. From the traditional mules and donkeys, we traversed the bicycles and tricycles and hit the birds in the air carrying humans known as airplanes, and yet again, now at a point in technology where you could punch a few commands into your vehicle and it'll take you to your desired location. But then, that is most practical in an ideal society where the laws of traffic are respected. I have used GPS a couple of times and enjoyed the benefit of it guiding me through some traffic-congested areas, especially in unfamiliar locations.

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But, it would be nice to just tell your car where you want to go and have it take you there. That would come with ease and comfort, being able to engage in other things such as sightseeing, reading, etc. Nigeria, however, has the majority of her roads in a critically bad shape, which is a major reason why many cars do not last with the owners. My city has a relatively fair road network, even though it can be better, but the best part is that one could just step out of one's home and enter into a tarred road. Hopefully, someday we will get there.

ROAD TO MY HOUSE SIX MONTHS AGO BEFORE THE GOVERNMENT INTERVENED

The major spoilers for cars in Nigeria are the bad roads; sometimes you have to even leave the tarred road and enter into the road as though it were never untarred. This is one of the reasons I run away from Nigerian used cars that may have been subjected to terrible roads and potholes. Advanced cars would surely be welcomed in an ideal and friendly ecosystem where the road infrastructure is optimal, or at least bearable.

NEW LOOK OF THE ROAD TO MY HOUSE TODAY AFTER THE GOVERNMENT'S INTERVENTION

Having vehicles that can self-navigate comes with some demerits and dangers, which I would try to mention a few.

Particularly, Nigerians have embraced a sedentary lifestyle, and having a car that would drive us to our choice location is yet another drawback to our sedentary lifestyle. Driving itself is fun and requires mental alertness, which is advantageous in keeping the mind and body in good shape. Having to relax and watch the car drive only to where it has been programmed would negate the need to exercise the legs and even the mind.

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Most of the automobiles are developed to precision, but just as the human body and mind get fatigued, a machine or its part could develop faults, be exposed to wear and tear, or the program could develop a glitch. Except the manual takeover could be initiated early and the owner or expected driver to be handy, such system failure would put the public at risk of preventable accidents.

I would love to own a 'smart' car that would ease my driving when I'm stressed, but I would not want to rely on it often, both for the sake of redundancy and a sedentary lifestyle and primarily because I enjoy driving as a hobby.

Thank you for reading. I would love to have your comments and contributions.

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