The Future of Autonomous Driving: Will Professional Drivers Become Obsolete?

The idea of autonomous driving has been around for many years, but the reality is that there are numerous challenges that still need to be overcome. Many experts and laypeople are divided on when, or if, professional drivers will become obsolete due to this technology.

Are Professional Drivers at Risk?

The question of whether professional drivers will be replaced by autonomous vehicles is highly dependent on the type of vehicle we are discussing. For instance:

Taxis

In the case of taxis, it is quite plausible that professional drivers could become obsolete. These vehicles operate in dynamic and densely populated urban environments, and the demand for 24/7 availability could significantly reduce the need for human drivers (keyword: professional drivers).

Average Sedans

However, for the average sedan, the scenario is murkier. Some experts argue that autonomous cars will be significantly more expensive than current models, potentially twice as much. This would make autonomous sedans less accessible to consumers for short-distance travel such as commuting and errands (keyword: autonomous driving).

Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and Construction Equipment

For heavy goods vehicles and construction equipment, such as excavators and bulldozers, the challenges are even greater. The risk of theft and the inability to handle breakdowns and other emergencies without a human operator make these scenarios less viable (keyword: public acceptance).

Public Acceptance and Safety Concerns

The road to widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles is fraught with challenges, particularly regarding public acceptance and safety concerns. Autonomous trains, for instance, are still in the experimental phase, and the public has shown reticence towards accepting large, driverless trucks in their communities.

Experts suggest that the first steps towards making autonomous vehicles a reality will involve having autonomous trucks with a human operator available to take control if needed. This gradual approach ensures that the safety of the passengers and cargo remains a top priority (keyword: autonomous driving).

Will All Drivers Become Obsolete?

Some people argue that even if professional drivers are phased out in certain sectors, individuals will still be able to drive their own vehicles. However, the key issue is that autonomous vehicles will prioritize their own safety above all else, potentially overriding the driver in situations deemed hazardous.

Others have noted that certain tasks, such as maneuvering into tight spaces, are currently beyond the capabilities of autonomous systems. Hence, a trained human operator will always be required for such operations (keyword: public acceptance).

Arguably, by the time autonomous driving becomes the norm, most human drivers will be either retired or dead due to the significant technological advancements and their associated risks (keyword: autonomous driving).