Can my car take me where I want to go?

I read an article (I read a lot of them) about technologies that are going to make it possible for blind people to drive. There are a ton of prospects out there for this aplication, but I have a few ideas about how this might or might not ever happen in our world.

My fear is that it can never happen. Below is a part of my response to the editors of the article.


Tell me what you think


Technology can already park a car for me. Collision Radar is commonplace. GPS is nearly as ubiquitous as the cellphone. Fork Lifts "drive by wire" in most modern warehouses. So why can my care not take me where I want to go?

Well, It is more a question of sociology than technology. The short answer is that the rest of the American public will not give up control and allow their cars to decide the best path, speed, and lane in order to arrive at their destinations. Americans love the control.

The accidents on American Highways during each daily commute is the proof of their poor skill, decision making and control.

As long as people are insistant on being in the "driver's seat" they will never allow the computers in the car and the grid to decide the details of the trip. They will certainly not relinquish the controls and "leave the driving" to the car. No matter how much safer, efficient and hassle-free the trip may be.

A centralized grid with computer controls that monitor speet, trafic, and the intended destinations is possible with the tech we currently have. The practical aplication of such a system is, unfortunately I fear, a pipe dream.

What do you think?
Would you give up the control?
What would you do with the free time on your commute?