5 Ways Driverless Vehicles Will Change the Driving Experience

For many drivers, their first time behind a wheel represents an adventure…an ability to go wherever, whenever, they wanted. It is a licence not only to operate a vehicle, but to explore, discover, meet, and engage in a whole new world of activities.

But with driverless vehicles on the horizon, the driving experience is about to be turned on its head. Cities across the world are preparing for the technology to integrate onto their thoroughfares, with test zones for autonomous driving currently being set up in places like Wuhu and Dubai over the next few years.

Other than not having to manually operate a vehicle to get to where you need to get to, here are the top 5 ways that the technology will transform the driving experience:

1) No More Parking

Driverless vehicles will be able to circle the block, or head to another destination, while you enter a store, or attend an appointment. And for those worried about environmental impact or fuel costs, the vehicles will also be able to park themselves if need be.

2) Simple Errands Done Without Leaving the House

Driverless vehicles will change the face of businesses, particularly those that are set up for quick drop-offs and pick-ups. Dropping off your dry cleaning? Have your vehicle go to the address, where an attendant identified by a thumbprint could gain access to your vehicle to grab your clothes. Hungry for a quick snack? Send your vehicle to a drive through where your order sent previously online can be picked up and sent back home.

3) Enjoying the Sites

While this applies more to road trips, you might be surprised to find out how much of your daily commute you miss when you’re concentrating on traffic. The driverless experience allows you to look everywhere, at any time, and really appreciate the surroundings, whether on a highway or a busy street during rush hour.

4) Face to Face Car Conversations

Driverless vehicles will be outfitted with front seats that can swivel around 360 degrees. This means that conversations that previously took place over the shoulder, without the benefit of facial expressions, can now become as expressive and involved as would be possible in any other environment – all the while continuing to move to wherever your group is headed.

5) Never Have an Accident Again

90 per cent of all vehicular accidents are as a result of human error. Take that factor out of the occasion, and injuries, fatalities and general risk to pedestrians or bike riders will diminish almost entirely. It is going to be an interesting time ahead for the insurance industry, which will be forced to slash their rates auto insurance (which current accounts for 42 per cent of all global insurance premiums).