Self-driving cars present threat to life

A number of businesses are developing self-driving cars.

I have no concern about the ability to develop these cars. However, I do have a concern about the long-range use of these cars.

Let me use aircraft as an example of automation. Aircraft have autopilots which can fly the aircraft hands off. A number of sophisticated aircraft can land themselves. The real key to the success of these systems is the trained pilot monitoring everything and ready to take over in case of a system failure. Also there are mandatory maintenance requirements. All electrical and electronic systems will fail in time.

How many of you have had the failure of an alternator, electric door, starter or the computer-controlled engine system? The average person cannot maintain the integrity of a self-driving car system. Nor do they have the training to monitor the performance of the system and take over in case of a system failure.

Without required periodic maintenance of these systems and training of the driver to take over the car in case of a system failure, we will be looking at serious threats of life.

This story was originally published November 19, 2015 at 8:20 AM with the headline "Self-driving cars present threat to life."