Sounds like Total Recall! I think this is an idea that could make roads safer and more efficient, but as a driver, I would like to be in control of my vehicle. I think losing that freedom would be the biggest obstacle in converting our travelers to autonomous vehicles.

I think GM vision is correct. After all most pilots rely on autopilot for cruise and approach but take over the machine for takeoff and landing. People will be happy to do the same with their cars.
The only serious problem I can foresee is “blame assignment” in the case of “autodriver” malfunction that results in accident.

GM also reported a $38.7 loss in 2007, and yet they continue to waste money on projects like this, and continue to make gas-hogging dinosaurs. GM is certainly on the right track with the Volt, but I hope that the effort isn’t too-little, too-late. America is NOT addicted to oil, companies like GM are forcing it on us, and we’re all paying a high price for their mistakes.

Solar John

As a resident experiencing quite the snow storm, what happens when you need to drive in adverse weather with these vehicles? What about emergency vehicles and these vehicles? Will your car yeild automatically to a police pull over? These would be some questions I’d ask before allowing these cars into the open market.

I can honestly say I would love to see an automated “highway” system. And a required “manual” system for non-highway use. Cruise control already exists but sometimes on a long trip that takes an hour or more on a relatively VERY straight line like an interstate, this seems doable.

Automation of this sort would make long haul trucking very interesting as well as all trucks could be equipped and that would allow truckers to specialize in city and urban driving skills while giving them the ability to be rested while on the “open” road.

Anyways It should be an interesting coming decade for automobile travel.

Most auto accidents, like aviation accidents, are caused by human (operator) error. Taking the potential for human error out of the equation invariably makes most activities safer. Hundreds of lives could be saved every year if drivers were required to use a well designed auto pilot system in their vehicles.

The other saving would be in air pollution. A tremendous amount of air pollution (and greenhouse gas) results when drivers are reduced to stop and go speeds because some bone-headed yahoo in a hurry is following too close and rear ends the car in front of them. An automated system would reduce air pollution from this cause.

This sytem already exists and in some areas (notably Europe and Japan) has been highly developed - it is called “A Train”!

Well atleast one wouldn’t have to worry about the errant drunken driver nor a driver who’s is driving from sleep fatigue. Hit a button, which even the most inebriated person can do and go to sleep.