The record keeps repeating itself over again, ringing in our ears, “society is becoming more and more dependant on technology.” While in some cases technology can be beneficial, for example the Internet, e-mail and cell phones, technology always creates a flip side to the improvements it brings.
It seems that technology is developing so fast that it is flying out of our hands, literally. Lexus has now developed technology that allows the drivers of its vehicles to let go of the steering wheel while the car takes over. This autopilot will not actually drive the car, but will parallel park the car for the driver.
I don’t know about you, but parallel parking is one of the most frustrating tasks for a driver to accomplish. I have friends who will give up a parking spot if they are going to have to parallel park. This daunting task is evidently the reasoning behind the development of this technology, and while the intentions may be for the best, the ramifications may be headed in the opposite direction.
Not having to parallel park your car will certainly diminish some of the stress that parking causes, however, I find it even more stressful not being in control of my moving car. Evidently, the Lexus LS460 will take the driver through a process that involves finding a spot that is at least four feet longer than the length of the vehicle, and following a series of commands that has the driver pull forward, then reverse, then lift their foot off the pedal at the proper speed and, like Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, the car will park itself.
Complicated? Yes. Worth the hassle? Probably not.
My question is, what happens if the car malfunctions and your car smashes into another? The car evidently will stop if given too much gas, but what if it does not? Who is to blame? Does the driver claim responsibility because he or she owns the car? It is not the driver’s fault if a vehicle malfunctions. So, then is it the car company’s fault? The situation will only create complicated and sticky lawsuits.
The likelihood of the vehicles making errors seems quite possible to me. Often, when new technology is introduced, a company will send out models that it has tested and that can function, but it is only when the customers complain about problems that corrections are made. Everybody has experienced problems with their computers, laptops, blackberries and navigation systems. This car is just the same.
The system is going to cause more problems by holding up traffic, even if the car functions properly, simply because the driver has to press a million buttons to get the car moving. The more we let go of controlling our actions, allowing technology to dictate the outcome, the more complex life becomes.
I personally would like to be in control of the 1 – ton vehicle that could end my life in an instant. Lexus is moving forward with technology, which is beneficial to our economy. It frightens me though. If cars had personalities and became fed up with barking directions at us that we do not follow anyway, they could just take total control.
When I was little, I used to think about how one day, all cars would run on the roads through magnetic strips on the pavement. Nobody would have to drive. All you would have to do is program your car and it would take you to your destination. The idea seemed farfetched, but it looks like Lexus has taken the first step in that direction. Only time can tell whether or not their decision will be successful.
Jenna McDaniel is a junior art education major and a weekly columnist for the Daily Forty-Niner.
