A speedy consultation process has been launched by the Government to assess the feasibility of allowing self-driving cars on UK motorways as early as next year.
What does it mean for drivers? You could be changing lanes next to vehicles where the ‘driver’ is sending text messages or watching a video. If your car has autopilot technology, there may come a day when you decide to try it. How will you feel about trusting your car to predict the behaviour of other road users or assess conditions?
The Government is keen for the UK to be an early adopter of self-drive technology, but at what cost? Insurance companies are scrambling to prepare. According to Bloomberg, self-driving cars might kill auto insurance as we know it. Tesla has already announced that it is launching its own insurance offering. Who is to blame in the event of an accident? The driver, the vehicle, or the manufacturer? How will we deal with the threat of cyber criminals targeting autonomous vehicles? While an exciting step forward for the motorist, driverless cars bring a host of new ethical and moral dilemmas.
Marshall Motor Holdings Plc (LON:MMH), together with its subsidiaries, engages in retailing passenger cars and commercial vehicles in the United Kingdom. It sells new and used vehicles; and provides after sales services, such as servicing, body shop repairs, and parts sales.