Hmmm... Millions Might Need To Be Medicated Before Riding In Self Driving Vehicles

Relax in a vehicle and read a book, stream video or drift into a well-deserved nap. Or sit at a mobile desk and do some work. These are the promised advantages of travel in a self-driving era. But for more than a few passengers, any attempts to crack open a novel or watch a favorite TV show might result in a frantic search for a barf bag.

As automakers and tech developers spout promises of a fanciful future in which motorists trade the tedium of commuting for newfound free time in their vehicles, concern is growing that many passengers will be unable to reap the benefits.

Motion sickness may prevent millions of riders from enjoying the leisure and entertainment benefits self-driving technology is supposed to bring. In a 2016 study, "Would Self-Driving Vehicles Increase Occupant Productivity?" 8 percent of respondents told University of Michigan researchers that they expect to "frequently experience" motion sickness — and they're the ones who know they're susceptible.

mre30 - 11/26/2018 1:06:46 PM

+4 Boost

The whole concept just makes me want to puke.

SanJoseDriver - 11/26/2018 1:38:43 PM

0 Boost

I get motion sickness, but mostly from inconsistent driving (unnecessary acceleration/deceleration) while in the backseat, doesn't seem to be a problem yet with AP. Another benefit is that you get a consistent driver. Every time you step in a Waymo or self-driving car, you will become familiar with how that AI drives, and it will be smoother and more consistent than a typical ride.

PUGPROUD - 11/26/2018 4:43:27 PM

+1 Boost

Maybe taking an Ambien will work better...wake me up when we get there.

Foncool - 11/26/2018 9:55:36 PM

+1 Boost

Does the open container law apply in a self driving car?

SanJoseDriver - 11/29/2018 3:02:28 AM

+1 Boost

The evidence is in the crash reports coming from within the cars themselves. On autopilot there are half as many crashes. What is so difficult to understand about that?