There’s a great story about Driverless Vehicles and senior citizens. AutonomouStuff, LLC, a company that specializes in supplying components commonly used within autonomy systems, held a focus group that consisted of 27 senior citizens (aged 72-96) and concerned the future of motor vehicles. When told about the technology that driverless vehicles would have and how it would affect our world they were asked if they would actually use one of these cars.

Before anyone had a chance to raise their hand, a sweet little 92 year old woman spoke up. “How soon will this technology be available? Everyone around me on the road will be safer because I’m not giving up my keys for anything!”

The group had a unanimous decision in favor of the driverless cars. It’s difficult to determine these kinds of numbers because of all the angles to consider. With an aging population of baby boomers that have increased life expectancy, we will see an America with more and more seniors on the road

Driverless Vehicles in Our Current World

In 1998, legislation was put into place that allows for what is known as a “Neighborhood Electric Vehicle.” They are basically golf carts with four walls. This year, they were approved for operation with driverless capabilities. Within 2014 there have already been four new companies that came into existence whose only focus is manufacturing the NEV’s.

The famous “Google Car” or Google’s driverless vehicles have now amassed 700,000 miles on the road that have resulted in accidents that were only caused by other drivers. People can sue all day long claiming that these cars are unsafe or that the technology isn’t ready yet, but the truth of the matter is that they’re here to stay.

As of right now there are still only four states that allow for driverless vehicle testing on open city roads, but there are many more that are openly debating the idea of letting them onto their own city streets. This will hopefully fall under the radar of hot button issues that have plagued our politics since 1776.

Many create images of self-driving car of the future that are incorrect. Some imagine slick-backed Ferrari looking speedsters with dashboard screens where you can watch TV, while others picture mobile offices with no front windows and a desk they can work at while they drive. This is incorrect because, although we would like to think that everything is going to be futuristic, the truth is that cars are going to look pretty similar to how they do now.

With the current technology of expected collision and avoidance, cars will be fitted with this technology without too many major modifications. This is way all of the Google Cars are things like a Lexus or a Prius. We may even be able to retrofit our current vehicles with this technology since it’s being developed so rapidly.

Currently, that is an App called “Ion Road” that converts our phone into a collision avoidance system. All you have to do is mount it onto your dashboard. Essentially, this is really all that a driverless vehicle does, save for the fact that it’s driverless and prevents accidents… And all the other bells and whistles they’ll put on it.

A Projection of Our Future

By 2016, we will begin to see driverless vehicles on the roads. People will have the opportunity to personally own a vehicle that requires no control other than the push of a button and the input of a destination.

By 2020, these vehicles will become the standard for shipping companies around the United States or at least the companies will have seriously begun adopting them into their business model. City busses, school busses, taxis, and other city vehicles will have started the conversion process. Death by motor vehicle accidents will be in steep decline as the roads become safer and safer.

By 2025, people all over the world will be using driverless vehicles as their mode of transportation. The idea of a classic car will start to take the definition of anything with a steering wheel and a brake pedal. With just a mobile device you will be able to summon a vehicle, put in a location and be on the road in time to take a nap while your car takes you safely to your destination.

This is just the author’s opinion of a possible timeline of how driverless vehicles will inevitably become more prevalent in our everyday life.

*Much of this article was inspired by a recent webinar concerning insurance and the future of the autonomous vehicle presented by the following:

Fraker, Guy. (April 30th, 2014). Webinar – “Autonomous Vehicles – Liability and Their Effect On Insurance.”