UK Government Paves Way for Driverless Cars

Government oversight and vision are essential for radical new technologies – and the United Kingdom is determined to lead on driverless vehicles. “The government has announced that it wants to make the UK a world centre for the development of driverless cars,” reports BBC News. “Many envisage a future when we may not own cars at all but simply hail one to fulfil all our transportation needs.” The government plans a review to ensure legislative and regulatory framework before the vehicles roll out on roads and also will offer a prize to a community willing to serve as testing ground. A flurry of global competition is underway to put the cars on the road: Google and Nissan have each tested driverless vehicles; three states in the US have approved legislation on driverless cars; and Mercedes and other companies are already installing sensors and cameras that gauge distances and are integral part of a driverless car. Driverless cars, anticipated to on roads before 2018, are expected to use less energy and improve highway safety. – YaleGlobal