QOTD: Should Drunks Be Allowed To Use Self Driving Vehicles?

The brave new world of self-driving cars means addressing some thorny issues—such as, should people be allowed to ride in autonomous cars after they've had a few drinks?

An Australian government advisory board just released a report on how regulations may need to be updated for self-driving cars, including how drunk-driving laws may need to be changed. The National Transport Commission (NTC) wants to develop a full set of regulations covering all aspects of autonomous-car operation by 2020.

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atc98092 - 10/9/2017 2:39:41 PM

+4 Boost

If a vehicle is truly autonomous, why not? If it is autonomous-capable, but can also be driven, then you have the problem of proving the car was driving itself and the intoxicated passenger was not in control. So perhaps only some cars might qualify for such use.

bw5011 - 10/9/2017 3:23:04 PM

+3 Boost

What kind of question is that? Isn't that the whole point of self driving vehicles?

vdiv - 10/9/2017 3:41:56 PM

+4 Boost

The problem is people confuse driver assist features with self-driving.

The other problem is drunk people may throw up inside the car so it should monitor for that, pull over, and kick the drunks out until they are decent again ;)

But yes, the whole case for self-driving is that it will be better and safer than humans.

TomM - 10/9/2017 4:54:35 PM

+2 Boost

If a car is FULLY autonomous -that it completely drives itself - without ever the need for driver intervention - it really makes no difference who is in the car. EVEN a baby could be in the car. How about a teen too young to have a license as well - sure. THey might even allow TVR lovers in that car. I have seen prototypes that do not even have a steering wheel or any other driver's implements.

I personally do not believe that a fully autonomous car - in ALL conditions - will ever come to pass - in the next 25 years. I would expect the cars to still require a designated driver - who might be able to take over in certain conditions..

Now - I have a question?
IF a car - is fully autonomous - has no steering wheel or brake pedal - and the passengers cannot actually cannot take over -WHO will be responsible for the insurance on the vehicle? ANd - how will they figure out the costs? At what point will the manufacturer be allowed to require an owner to both hold them not responsible for product defects that cause accidents - and/or require a purchaser to have insurance to cover the manufacturer in case of defects.