While people are still arguing whether self-driving cars are technologically advanced enough to be launched on the road, Uber decided to show them by actually doing it.
Uber launched a groundbreaking driverless car service in Pittsburgh as a pilot program back in September and has now expanded the program to San Francisco, California.
The service includes a fleet of driverless cars equipped with lasers, cameras and other sensors, though a human (who is being called a ‘safety driver’) is present at all times to take control of the car if the need so arises.
All was going smoothly for Uber until the state DMV of California called for the company to stop its program. The DMV is stating that Uber doesn’t have necessary permits to launch a driverless-car program on the roads of California.
Also, there is a concern among regulators that the cars are not ready for the road and that it may put public safety at risk. In fact, an Uber self-driving car was recorded running a red light, though Uber says that was a human error.
But despite being asked to stop the service at once, Uber denies to do so, stating that it does not require the permit as the cars are not fully autonomous and a driver is present at all times behind the wheel ready to take control if the cars malfunction.
The DMV is threatening legal action if Uber doesn’t cease the service and gets a permit first. The ball is now in Uber’s court and it must decide to give in to the DMV’s request or to keep going.
The whole thing shows that the law should keep pace with technology. We are seeing newer kinds of technology springing up all over the world like drones and self-driving cars. These can be used for both good or bad purposes.
Hence, it is upto the law to introduce clear rules and regulations pertaining to these newer technologies.
Well at least the people in the Uber were safe.
yeah, the program has been successful and things are looking good for the future.
the chaos!! lol
haha, the law seems to do that more often than not! It's ironical actually considering law is literally "order".
doesn't bring about much order when it often contradicts itself lol :)
haha! exactly! :D
The government needs to be removing ALL red tape when it comes to testing new technologies. These companies need to have full reign over how they test these things.
If you think this seems extreme and that some regulation is needed, look no further than the regulations that have arisen for Uber drivers. As soon as the government decided to get involved they've "taxed" these people and extraordinary amount in order to level the playing field between them and the taxi companies.
California legislators should realize that they are at the mercy of the tech industry, not the other way around.
I agree that it should be made easier for revolutionary technology to flourish but at the same time it should be ensured that nobody's lives are put at risk.
I think the stakes are high enough that the company(s) will take this burden upon themselves.
Upvoted and resteemed!!!!!!
thank you :)
That car I'm sure is a lot better driver than all the meth babies on the road. Plus there is someone behind the wheel to take control. I don't see what the issue is.
exactly. Uber has decided to start this program only because it thought the cars were good enough. Nobody wants blood on their hands. And the driverless systems in general are getting better day by day and some have already rivalled human skills.
Great to see them defy unnecessary state authority! But if their cars end up breaking other trafic rules the way described in this post, that's very different.
Yes, 100% agreed. The cars seem to be working very well and the program is relatively successful. And there is a driver present so I don't know why the unnecessary red tape.