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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would you buy a driverless car?

61 replies

abacucat · 21/11/2018 07:39

I would. I love the idea. Being able to travel long distances while reading a book for example. Although I would wait a bit for others to buy them and check there are no glitches that need to be sorted first.

OP posts:
10rainbows · 21/11/2018 07:41

Yes. I would love one. It could drop me off at work etc, then come and pick me up!

Sirzy · 21/11/2018 07:41

No. I don’t like the idea at all at this point. I like to be in control too much

YetAnotherUser · 21/11/2018 07:41

I don't see why not. Typically autonomous robots/machines are much safer than the sacks of meat that usually operate them.

DiveBombingSeagull · 21/11/2018 07:44

I would love one. I don't mind driving but it does get tedious doing the same commute.

My car has some autonomous features and they are great.

Plural · 21/11/2018 07:45

Yes once they've done a bit more safety testing

BartholinsSister · 21/11/2018 07:45

You won't need to buy one. You'll have an app, and if you want to get somewhere you'll summon a car, and pay for the journey, using the app.
The cars will learn where the demand is and locate and charge themselves where necessary.

NotAnotherJaffaCake · 21/11/2018 07:46

From Waymo - like a shot. From Uber, not a chance. Think they are a fab idea.

LaurieFairyCake · 21/11/2018 07:46

Yes definitely. I think it would create more traffic though. I'd go to Cornwall every holiday - at the moment I can only bear the drive once a year.

Archduke · 21/11/2018 07:46

OMG yes! I totally can't wait - I read a really interesting article recently on how driverless cars will have a huge impact on how we live - I'll try and find it . . .

TheSquashyHatOfMrGnosspelius · 21/11/2018 07:46

I can't believe anyone thinks they are a good idea. They can't tell a pedestrian from a gunman. There is nothing to stop you being carjacked if you are merely a passenger, you can't drive it away and it won't drive if there is someone stood in front of it with a weapon demanding money

There is also the insurance issue. If your driverless car injures someone who pays their medical bills? You? No because you weren't driving. Imagine being hit or having a loved one killed by a driverless car with no redress. Some ideas are crazy but sprout wings anyway. This is one of those ideas

Terribletweens · 21/11/2018 07:47

Once it was proven safe I'd go nuts for one, you'd virtually have no travelling time then because you could do stuff in the car that you'd have had to be stopped/at home to do. You could do long distance drives while you sleep, it would be amazing!

Sparklesocks · 21/11/2018 07:51

Only years down the line when they have a proven safety record

Narya · 21/11/2018 07:54

Yep once they've done more testing and like pp said once they've sorted out stuff like insurance etc. I live in an area with fairly crap public transport - I don't mind driving but I'm happy not to do it if there's a decent alternative!

I think there are a few more things that have to happen before people accept driverless cars on the road. Sooner or later an innocent bystander will be seriously injured or killed by a driverless car, and that will be a critical decision point for society to decide whether to accept the technology with its limitations.

ThePencil · 21/11/2018 07:55

I agree with @BartholinsSister. I think we'll soon get to the point where most people don't own cars, but just summon them as needed.

I read an article about how it will basically eliminate the need for car parking (obviously there'll be a big car park somewhere, for the driverless cars, but they'll be able to park much more efficiently, so it won't be the same as city centres being full of car parking spaces and cars sitting empty all day).

I think driverless cars will also be much safer when all/most cars are driverless, because they can communicate with each other to prevent accidents. Currently they have to take into account that drivers can do relatively random things.

londonrach · 21/11/2018 07:57

No. im refusing to upgrade my 2004 car as had the over use of electrics in a car. I prefer a proper car. Less to go wrong. Husband the same.

Original poster
abacucat · 21/11/2018 07:59

Summoning cars would be a nightmare. Fine for those in densely populated areas, a nightmare in the countryside.

OP posts:
cortex10 · 21/11/2018 07:59

Yes, yes, yes - can't wait. I think it will revolutionise the lives of the elderly (assuming affordable) - no more dangerous older drivers on the road and still able to get out and about. Hope they are available by the time I retire.

DayManChampionOfTheSun · 21/11/2018 08:03

Yes yes yes! I can't wait :) although I will have to wait until the 2030 edition is old to be able to afford one Grin

Notjustanyone · 21/11/2018 08:05

Nope as I love driving. I also love just being able to get in my car and drive whenever I want & to wherever I want.
I am of course happy for any automated safety features to be developed more as that will help those people who are shit at driving and hopefully stop them from reversing into my car at every opportunity.

Original poster
abacucat · 21/11/2018 08:05

I am worried about the reliability of them and cost of repairs. So would not be an early adopter or buy a car with autonomous features in currently.

OP posts:
Unexpectedbaby · 21/11/2018 08:11

Nope.

Driving is a privilege that far too many people already think is a right. You are effectively driving around a weapon and far too many people already abuse this fact and are reckless. At least we have driving tests to vet out some of the bad.

My computer crashes 17 times a day at work. It is top of the range but IT don't know what is wrong with it. No way would I trust a computer to be driving people around, much less me.

danni0509 · 21/11/2018 08:12

Yes I hate driving so would be perfect for me Grin

Trills · 21/11/2018 08:13

Right now I wouldn't even get in one.

In future I wouldn't BUY one, I'd RENT one.

Like Zipcar only more convenient because you don't have to go to it (or leave it in the right place), it can come to you.

Trills · 21/11/2018 08:15

They can't tell a pedestrian from a gunman.

Luckily I live in the UK so it's safe to always assume that the human you see is not "a gunman".

picklemepopcorn · 21/11/2018 08:15

I can't imagine them working outside cities and major road networks.

I think they'll have limitations.

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