Will Self-Driving Cars Lead to More Car Jackings?
No, the introduction of self-driving cars is unlikely to increase the number of car jackings. In fact, these advanced vehicles offer significant advantages in terms of security and safety, particularly in the context of vehicle immobilization and remote disablement.
Current Security Measures for Self-Driving Cars
Vehicle manufacturers are currently developing highly advanced systems that allow police to disable a vehicle simply by calling in a vehicle's license plate. These systems, similar to OnStar, use satellite technology to remotely shut down a vehicle's engine, effectively immobilizing it.
While these systems are state-of-the-art and provide robust security, they do not render self-driving cars completely immune to tampering. However, the technology is continuously improving, and new methods are being introduced to enhance the security of these vehicles further. For example, the latest updates from Tesla now enable the company to turn off any Tesla vehicle in real-time, adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorized use.
Impact on Car Jackings
Contrary to the misconception that self-driving cars might lead to higher instances of car jackings, the reality is that these vehicles could actually reduce the number of such incidents. How? Let's take a closer look.
Self-driving cars are designed to operate autonomously, following pre-programmed instructions. Unlike traditional vehicles, they are programmed to continue driving even if someone waves them down, making it impossible for a high-jacker to take control of the car. When a car is reported as high-jacked, the car company can remotely disable the vehicle, rendering it inoperable and allowing authorities to track its exact location via GPS. This level of remote control and disablement is a stark contrast to manual vehicle disablement methods, making it much more difficult for criminals to successfully hijack a vehicle.
Increased Security and Transparency
The integration of remote disablement capabilities makes self-driving cars much harder to hijack. When a vehicle is disabled by the manufacturer, it is no longer operational, thus the threat of a car jacking is significantly reduced. Additionally, the precise GPS tracking provided by these systems allows law enforcement to pinpoint the location of the vehicle almost immediately, facilitating a swift and efficient response from the authorities.
Moreover, self-driving cars come equipped with sophisticated sensors and cameras that can detect and alert authorities to any suspicious activity. This heightened awareness can deter potential high-jackers and provide an additional layer of security.
Conclusion
Self-driving cars do not pose a greater risk of being used in car jackings. On the contrary, their advanced technology and increased security features make them less likely to be a target for criminals. Remote disablement, combined with GPS tracking, significantly reduces the potential for successful car jackings and enhances public safety.