Cars that drive themselves are already being tested by numerous companies such as Google and Nissan, but many are concerned with both how people will adapt when their vehicles begin to take over certain driving tasks. General Motors recently examined how driver behavior changes when they are behind the wheel of vehicles that offer semi-autonomous features such as self-steering and forward collision alert. They found motorists were 126 percent more attentive to the task of driving when they had safety systems and self-driving tools available to them.<\/p>\n
"Drivers are already engaging in risky behavior, and are likely to continue doing so given the prevalence of smartphones and other portable electronics, so why not make it safer for them and the people around them?" asked study author Dr. Eddy Llaneras of the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. "Offering some form of vehicle automation with the proper safeguards might be better than what is happening on our roads today."<\/p>\n
It is not likely fully autonomous cars will be available to the public anytime soon, but technology intended to assist drivers is already beginning to become commonplace in new vehicles. The equipment is being implemented to improve safety, and is not meant as a way for drivers to take their focus off the road completely. There will still be a need for drivers to pay attention, at least for now.<\/p>\n