My First Experience with a Self-Driving Car: A Glimpse into the Future of Transportation

When I was a child, the first assignment after the summer holidays was always the same: "Write a story about what you did during the summer holidays." While it felt tedious at the time, I find myself wanting to roll back the clock and do just that—because this summer, I had an experience that felt like something straight out of a science fiction novel. I rode in a self-driving car!

The Self-Driving Car Experience

The adventure took place in San Francisco, where I had the opportunity to ride in a Waymo driverless taxi, not just once, but three times. My curiosity got the better of me, and I couldn’t resist going back for more. Each ride left me with new thoughts, questions, and a sense of wonder about the future of transportation and technology.

The Ride of the Future

As I committed myself to being whisked around the hilly streets of San Francisco in a vehicle without a driver, I couldn’t help but think about what the future might hold. The brakes were impressively strong, handling the city's steep inclines with ease. But could this technology ever be 100% safe? The question loomed large in my mind.

The Potential Impact on Society

• Transportation Revolution: Could self-driving cars revolutionise transportation as a whole? The potential is immense. With the ability to transport people efficiently and safely, these vehicles could reduce traffic accidents, lower emissions, and make travel more accessible. However, with such a shift, there are bound to be significant changes in society.
• Solving Congestion and Non-Stop Operation: One of the most promising aspects of self-driving cars is their potential to solve congestion. Unlike human drivers, these vehicles can work all day and never get tired, leading to more consistent traffic flow and potentially reducing bottlenecks. However, they will still need recharging and tyre changes. Is this progress, or does it simply introduce new challenges? What are your thoughts on this shift in how transportation might function in the future?
• Loss of Human Interaction: One of the more concerning thoughts I had was about the loss of human interaction. Riding in a driverless car means no more friendly chats with a taxi driver. Could this lack of social interaction contribute to feelings of isolation and even mental health issues? It’s a question worth considering as we move toward a more automated future.

The Urge to Take Control

On one of my rides, I found myself fighting the urge to touch the steering wheel. There it was, right in front of me, and my brain was screaming that if there's a wheel, I should be the one controlling it. This reaction likely stems from my experience as a driver. But it made me wonder—would someone who has never learned to drive feel the same way? If driving becomes obsolete, will future generations view steering wheels with the same sense of ownership?

The Risk of Hacking

Another thought that crossed my mind was the potential for hacking. Could hacking a self-driving taxi become a new form of criminal activity in the future? While these vehicles are equipped with advanced security systems, the possibility of cyber threats is something that needs serious consideration as the technology develops.

The End of Driving as a Skill?

Will learning to drive become a lost skill? If self-driving cars become the norm, the need for driving instructors and driving schools could dwindle. This shift could have significant economic impacts, with entire industries potentially disappearing. It’s an inevitable result of progress, but one that will require careful management to minimise job losses and help people transition to new roles.

Ownership and the Future of Work

Who owns these driverless taxis, and who profits from them? What happens to the cab drivers who rely on driving to support their families? These are crucial questions as we move toward an automated future. While I did my best to spread the money around by also taking Ubers, the broader implications for employment are undeniable.

A Cleaner Future?

During one of my rides, I noticed litter that had been left behind in the taxi. Waymo provides a feature through which passengers can report such issues, helping to maintain cleanliness and perhaps encouraging higher standards of behaviour. Could this small change lead to a cleaner, more responsible society? It’s a hopeful thought.

Questions from Family and Friends

My family and friends were full of questions after hearing about my experience. The most common one was whether I would use a self-driving car in the UK. My answer? Yes, beyond a shadow of a doubt. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind.

Connectivity One of the biggest challenges for self-driving cars in the UK would be ensuring reliable connectivity, especially in rural areas. These vehicles rely on constant communication with various networks, and any disruption could pose significant risks. As we develop this technology, we must ensure that it is accessible and safe for everyone, not just those in urban areas.

Curiosity and Learning

Apart from my video, are you curious about how these cars work? I highly recommend reading the following:

• "Sense, Solve, Go" to understand the technology behind Waymo's driverless taxis.
• UK government information on self-driving vehicles, which is worth checking out.

This experience wasn’t just something I tried on holiday. My work has previously intersected with the world of self-driving cars, including developing an AI curriculum for K-12 students with a focus on driverless technology and writing a children’s books entitled Self Driving Car which is a part of The Digital Adventures of Ava and Chip series.

Self-Driving Car

Digital Poverty

Self-driving cars, while offering exciting advancements in transportation, also highlight issues of digital poverty. Accessing and using autonomous vehicles often requires a smart device and a level of technical literacy that not everyone possesses. This creates a divide, where those without the necessary resources or skills may be excluded from the benefits of this technology. Addressing this digital inequality is a significant societal challenge, as ensuring that everyone can participate in and benefit from new technologies is essential for creating a fair and inclusive future. To learn more about digital poverty, head over to the Digital Poverty Alliance website.

My final thoughts

The rise of self-driving cars opens up new opportunities and challenges, both for individuals and society as a whole. Whether you’re an educator, car or tech enthusiast, or simply someone curious about the future, there are many ways to get involved. Together, we can shape a future where technology serves everyone, ensuring that no one is left behind as we move toward a more automated world.

Do you wish to work with me?

If you’re interested in bridging the gap between industry and education, reach out today to explore how we can work together on your next project.

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