When Cars Drive Themselves

Inventors are working hard to create self-driving cars: There have been so many trials of them in Nevada that it has become the first American state to pass a law to regulate such trials on public roads.

The Economist reports that "Volvo’s new V40 small hatchback essentially drives itself in busy traffic, maintaining a safe distance and keeping in lane without human intervention. The V40 also brakes automatically when it senses an imminent collision, as can Ford’s new B-Max minivan. Such features appeared on some pricey vehicles a few years ago, but are now arriving on much cheaper models. Nissan is working on software that anticipates a driver’s next move–for instance, adjusting the speed and position of the car going into a turn. This summer America’s traffic-safety agency will put 3,000 test cars on Michigan’s roads equipped with a variety of such ‘driver-assist’ features."

The Economist has a warning for us too: "What of the danger that all these crash-prevention devices will lure drivers into taking more risks? Only time will tell, but at least one study shows that early anti-lock braking systems used to encourage aggressive driving. Cars are getting cleverer, but it will be years before they can make up for the stupidity of some drivers."

Come learn MORE about the latest technologies (including new information about UFOs) at our Dreamland Festival in May. Whether you let your car drive you there or fly, we GUARANTEE that you’ll be glad you came!