Thanks to modern technology, humans have less to do. Machines make our coffee in the morning and clean our dishes. Robots do the vacuuming, mop the floors, and mow our yards hands-free. But what would it be like if machines drove our cars for us? What if cars could drive us to work while we read the newspaper or worked on the computer? This may sound like science fiction. In fact, driverless cars are already on the roads, and could soon end up at a dealer near you.

       Cars today already think for us. GPS navigation systems can give people directions without looking at a map. Sensors built into cars sound an alarm if drivers get too close to a person or another vehicle. Cameras can see for us at night and steer cars around obstacles to avoid accidents. Smart cars can park themselves and control drivers when they’re about to make a dangerous turn. Now car companies are building driverless cars that will do all of these, and much more.

       According to car manufacturers, hands-free driving has important benefits. For example, driverless cars can improve safety. In the United States, over 90% of car accidents are the result of human errors. Drivers can make bad judgments, get sleepy, and run red lights, but robots don’t. In a hands-free car, people can respond to email without worrying about hitting another car. Also, driverless cars would use less fuel. They don’t need to be as heavy because they are less likely to crash.

      Although driverless cars sound perfect, there are problems. For instance, automated cars cannot anticipate the unexpected like humans can. They might not recognize when a police officer tells traffic to stop or pull off. Driverless cars may be too “polite” on the highway, where many people speed. A car that is following the speed limit could cause more accidents. In addition, if an accident does occur, who is at fault? Do you blame the driver? The car? The car manufacturer? Therefore, countries will have to decide who is responsible and write new laws, which won’t be easy.