QUOTE (Andy1 @ Jan 13 2017, 09:49 AM)
So, when there's a traffic jam, the cars stop moving, it can't be helped.
The point is driverless cars could avoid a jam developing by using accident avoidance systems and by managing the flow of traffic at pinch spots. And should a jam occur, they can reduce the effect of the jam becoming worse.
Systems like TomTom could be built into the driverless operation. A simple illustration of this is a while back I used my TomTom to tell me the traffic situation it Reading. I saw the traffic was so bad, I took the decision to not bother, thus I avoided adding to the problem. I also hit a jam in Reading once and my TomTom advised me of an alternative route which was longer, but quicker due to traffic congestion. Both incidence were caused by an accident, an accident that might not have happened with computer controlled drivers.
Another one is rubber necking and the inexplicable phenomena of when cars come to a halt on the motorway for no apparent reason. This can be ironed out with computer controlled cars which monitor the road and adjust driving accordingly.
Computer controlled cars will also be able to drive closer together than humans, so improving road capacity.
QUOTE (Andy1 @ Jan 13 2017, 09:49 AM)
Speed change isn't going to change that and taking alternate routes won't either because on a B road for instance there would be too many variables for that automated car to deal with. It will never be like Demolition Man, no matter what type of marketing is used.
I'm sorry, but that is not the case. Speed management can enhance traffic flow and thus reduce jams occurring.
There are hurdles through. The tech is still quite infantile. Also, there are many places I know how to get to but have no idea of the address, so with out knowing the address, you can't go there easily. Also, who's at fault in an accident cause by malfunction.
My view is driverless cars will put professional drivers out of a job (like taxi and haulage), but it does seem like a 20thC solution that might in itself become redundant with 21stC tech and lifestyles.
PS - Piggy Bank is a euphemism for speed cameras.