The rise of driverless cars and autonomous vehicles has generated a lot of excitement and interest in recent years. Advocates of these technologies tout the benefits of reduced traffic congestion, increased safety, and improved fuel efficiency. However, the ethical implications of these vehicles are complex and multifaceted. In this blog post, we will explore some of the ethical issues that arise when considering the use of driverless cars and autonomous vehicles, with supporting quotes and data.

Who is responsible in the event of an accident?

One of the most pressing ethical concerns is the potential for accidents involving these vehicles. While proponents argue that autonomous cars will reduce the number of accidents on the road, accidents involving autonomous vehicles have already occurred, and they raise questions about who is responsible in the event of an accident. According to a report by the Rand Corporation, “The transition to self-driving cars will require an overhaul of the legal and regulatory environment, which must balance the need to ensure public safety with the desire to promote innovation and productivity” (Rand Corporation, 2016). This highlights the need for policymakers to grapple with the legal and ethical implications of these vehicles.

What will happen to the transport industry?

Another ethical issue relates to the displacement of workers in the transportation industry. With the advent of driverless cars, taxi drivers, truck drivers, and delivery drivers may all face significant job losses. According to a report by the Center for Global Policy Solutions, “Fully autonomous vehicles could displace millions of jobs, from professional drivers to warehouse workers to mechanics” (Center for Global Policy Solutions, 2017). This raises the question of how society will respond to the potential for widespread job loss.

Should privacy be a concern?

Additionally, there is the issue of privacy. Autonomous cars are equipped with numerous sensors and cameras that collect data on their surroundings and their passengers. While this data can be used to improve the performance and safety of these vehicles, it also raises questions about who owns and controls this data. According to a report by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, “It is crucial that data generated by autonomous cars be controlled by the people who generate it, and that it not be exploited for commercial purposes without explicit consent” (Electronic Frontier Foundation, 2016).

Who should the car protect in a life or death situation?

Furthermore, there is a moral dilemma that arises in the programming of autonomous vehicles. For example, in the event of an unavoidable accident, the vehicle’s software may need to make a decision about who to protect – the passengers in the vehicle or pedestrians outside. This dilemma raises important ethical questions about the value of human life and how to make decisions in life-or-death situations.

In conclusion, the rise of driverless cars and autonomous vehicles brings with it a range of complex ethical issues that must be addressed by policymakers, manufacturers, and society as a whole. From accidents and job loss to privacy and morality, there are many questions that need to be answered as we move towards a world of autonomous vehicles. As we grapple with these issues, it is important to remember the words of philosopher Martin Heidegger: “The essence of technology is by no means anything technological” (Heidegger, 1977). As we design and implement these new technologies, we must remain mindful of their impact on society and the values we hold dear.

References:

• Rand Corporation. (2016). The Future of Driving: Roadmap to Safety. Retrieved from httpss://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR1478.html
• Center for Global Policy Solutions. (2017). Autonomous Vehicles: Driving Employment or Displacement? Retrieved from httpss://globalpolicysolutions.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Autonomous-Vehicles-Driving-Employment-or-Displacement-Report.pdf

Electronic Frontier Foundation. (2016). Self-Driving Cars and Digital Surveillance: Who Owns the Data? Retrieved from httpss://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/02/self-driving-cars