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One problem that nobody seems to see is: -) As soon as software controls something it's the question about if you control the software, or if the software cont

One problem that nobody seems to see is: -) As soon as software controls something it's the question about if you control the software, or if the software controls the user One of the big arguments rms always had about free software, but think about it: Let's say i have a self-driving car, how do i know that there isn't a backdoor in there? How about my car being hacked and being remote controlled? How about my car being pulled over by the police by remote control if i don't stop? And what about spontaneity in driving? Will i still be able to make a U-Turn whenever i want? Having navigated through big cities with cars i can tell you that it's more than just reading signs and staying on the correct lane... Once we got self-driving cars then all of the above points will be issues and we should seriously think about all of this in my opinion. If i could make sure that non of the above is valid i might still fancy it for boring highways. For cities or narrow situations i will always trust myself.

DanBC 14y ago
There have been a few news articles about people who have driven into rivers because "the sat nav told them to". I hope Google is investigating these weird edge cases, and testing for them.
SoftwareMaven 14y ago
You may trust yourself, but as I ride around on my motorcycle, I don't trust you at all. Give me self-driving cars anyway.
- ari_elle 14y ago
  I don't want to start an argument, especially since i myself ride a motorcycle. But even i witnessed my fair share of motorcyclists, who just played daredevil on the street. The way many behave on roads is not acceptable and this goes for drivers of cars and drivers of motorcycles. Counter question: Would you trust a self driving motorcycle? So why should i - as a in my opinion perfectly good driver - trust a self driving car at all times?
  - SoftwareMaven 14y ago
    First, I'm with you on the surprisingly large number of people who are plain stupid on bikes. The question of self-driving motorcycles is an interesting one. Would I trust them? Yes. The reaction time and ability to process multiple streams of information of computers far outweigh that of humans. Would I want to? Sometimes. There are times when I'm out riding and it's all about the curves of the canyon. Just like any driving enthusiast, I'm there for the experience. But crossing Wyoming on I-80? Bring it on! I have no doubt that there will be a Honda Goldwing or BMW R1600 that includes a self-driving mode along with a HUD-based entertainment system in your helmet. And maybe I'll be able to afford it by then. :)

DanBC 14y ago

There have been a few news articles about people who have driven into rivers because "the sat nav told them to". I hope Google is investigating these weird edge cases, and testing for them.

SoftwareMaven 14y ago

You may trust yourself, but as I ride around on my motorcycle, I don't trust you at all. Give me self-driving cars anyway.

ari_elle 14y ago
I don't want to start an argument, especially since i myself ride a motorcycle. But even i witnessed my fair share of motorcyclists, who just played daredevil on the street. The way many behave on roads is not acceptable and this goes for drivers of cars and drivers of motorcycles. Counter question: Would you trust a self driving motorcycle? So why should i - as a in my opinion perfectly good driver - trust a self driving car at all times?
- SoftwareMaven 14y ago
  First, I'm with you on the surprisingly large number of people who are plain stupid on bikes. The question of self-driving motorcycles is an interesting one. Would I trust them? Yes. The reaction time and ability to process multiple streams of information of computers far outweigh that of humans. Would I want to? Sometimes. There are times when I'm out riding and it's all about the curves of the canyon. Just like any driving enthusiast, I'm there for the experience. But crossing Wyoming on I-80? Bring it on! I have no doubt that there will be a Honda Goldwing or BMW R1600 that includes a self-driving mode along with a HUD-based entertainment system in your helmet. And maybe I'll be able to afford it by then. :)