In 2016, the United States recorded 37,461 automobile deaths. There was a unanimous decision by the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the bill on autonomous vehicles with the aim of reducing road accidents. Self-driving cars pros and cons are one of the topics getting increased media attention.

The idea of a driverless car is new and is still settling in some people’s minds. Yet, ever-changing technology has led to the development of autonomous vehicles that are about to bring profound changes. The move towards self-driving cars will be inevitable in the future because of its evident benefits.

While we embrace this emerging technology, it is important to understand the self driving cars pros and cons.

Self Driving Cars Pros and Cons

Despite the many benefits related to autonomous cars, there are several arguments against self-driving cars. Policy makers in the automobile industry should understand the positive and negative changes that will arise with the growth of driverless cars.

These pros and cons will make you have an in-depth understanding of self-driving cars

Pros of Self-Driving Cars

Technology has taken important advancements. The transport industry has benefited significantly from the introduction of self-driving cars albeit on a small scale. Here are the potential benefits that self-driving cars on a larger scale would result in.

1. Reduced Accidents

Most car accidents result from human error. With a driverless car, chances of crashes are minimal. The accuracy of technology makes it possible to avoid such accidents, making our roads safer.

The algorithms utilized by the technology ensure that vehicles stop at safe distances. With automation, cars are unlikely to crash on each other. While a driverless car might have flaws, they are incomparable to human errors.

Evans body shop can sort out mechanical issues on your car to avert accidents.

2. Improvement of Traffic

Commuters spend considerable time in traffic because of the many vehicles. Self-driving cars ensure that the automobiles move with considerably high speed. These cars guarantee a smooth flow of traffic. The driverless cars have a technology that will enable cars to ‘communicate’.

The vehicles can alert each other on possible road risks or traffic problems.

3. Conservation of Environment

Most of the autonomous cars are electric. The feature reduces air pollution and other hazardous emissions. While energy consumption might not reduce, there are environmentally friendly.

The current automobiles are the leading sources of air contamination. With the new wave of driverless cars, greenhouse gases reduce significantly.

4. Improved Productivity

Benefits of self-driving cars on the commuters are innumerable. Imagine reading your favorite book while going home from the office? Well, you can utilize the time used to drive to engage in productive activities.

With a driverless car, you can finish a task on your way home or to the workplace. The cars will still give you a sense of comfort and privacy, allowing you to concentrate.

5. Saving Time

From its speed to the convenience aspect, driverless cars save you time. When you get to your destination, you don’t have to drive around looking for a parking spot. The car will drop you and get a parking spot as you dash to that important departmental meeting.

The speed of a self-driving car is another feature that will save time. As compared to the traditional automobiles, the time an average American gets home from work will reduce by half. The technology can calculate the vehicle’s operations, making the speeding safe.

6. Cost-Saving

In the United States, more than $18 billion is spent on medical costs after road accidents. On average, emergency department visits after a crash cost approximately $3,300. With the introduction of self-driving cars, reduced road accidents minimize medical costs.

You are likely to pay lower premiums for your insurance cover. The industry will have to adjust its prices downwards because of the fewer road accidents. Drivers might opt for full coverage other than personal accident insurance.

7. Increased Accessibility

For those unable to drive because of disability or age, self-driving cars will be ideal. People with disabilities don’t have to struggle as they commute using public transport. With the improved feature, people who have visual impairments can get to their destination with ease.

The automated cars will allow people without a driver’s license to enjoy technology. If you are hanging out with friends, you will not need to take police drunk driving tests.

Cons of Self-Driving Cars


Technology has different implications for society. These vehicles while a good idea, can have some merits, they also have adverse implications. Here are some negative implications.

1. Loss of Jobs

While the world is ecstatic on the new wave of self-driving cars, commercial drivers have all the reasons to worry. The driverless cars will render taxi drivers jobless. If the autonomous car took you anywhere at a faster speed, it could render many unemployed.

2. High Cost

Implementing the new technology will have you digging deeper in your pocket. The self-driving car requires sensors, software, power, and other computer applications that are beyond an average American. Maintaining the driverless cars will be costly because of the expensive parts.

3. Security Concerns

With the increased hacking, having a self-driving car might be a security concern. The technology will need the information to customize the car experience. The collection and storage of personal information can cause security threats if the information leaks.


If the adoption of the driverless car is not countrywide, road accidents will remain to be a menace. Having some cars with a driver while others are driverless can be chaotic. The introduction of the self-driving cars should be accompanied by many efforts to ensure safety.

4. Recreational Drivers

For those who enjoy driving as a way of relaxing the mind, the driverless cars are a bother. The self-driving cars move at a high speed and you might not enjoy the sceneries. If you enjoy driving, you may not get this experience.

With These Self Driving Cars Pros and Cons, Is the World Ready for This Technology?

While the advantages of autonomous cars are undeniable, these cars lead to several concerns for the consumers. The players in the industry should have sufficient data before adopting the technology entirely. The move towards driverless cars might be inevitable in the future regardless of the self driving cars pros and cons.

Read more posts on new beneficial developments to help you grow.