Your Letters
SELF-DRIVING CARS
After reading your Editorial (CM, June 2021) on self-driving cars – I find the idea of some people using self-driving cars scary. I like using cruise control when circumstances permit, ie. not in heavy traffic. However, I always keep alert and even let my foot hover over the brake pedal. I use the aid simply to let my right foot relax a little. The Prius which I drive also has a distance ‘keeper’, which I find sometimes useful but not something to depend on – and much more useful in speed restricted zones.
I passed my test in 1973 and have thoroughly enjoyed driving ever since. I would be scared in a car which was in self-driving mode, I’ve not even tried the self-parking facility in my own car.
I emphasise the word ‘some’ people using the self-driving mode – many of us would maybe feel comfortable using it and would be responsible enough to use it. But then there are others who would abuse it by having a nap, showing-off to their mates or doing some pre-office work like reading reports, etc. Can we trust these people to be an the safe side of being alert.
Perhaps all cars when in self-driving mode should have flashing red/yellow beacon on their roofs to warn other motorists. One thing is for sure, especially with electric taking
