Self-driving cars will transform cities

Subject

The prospects for self-driving cars.

Significance

Internet giant Google and automaker Audi have both developed self-driving autonomous vehicle (AVs) prototypes. Full implementation of AVs could have a revolutionary effect on society that would have its closest parallel in scale in the rise of the internet. The average US worker spends 50.4 minutes per day commuting and the vast majority do so by car; freeing workers from focusing on roads could increase productive hours worked by 9% and reduce traffic fatalities -- if AVs overcome technological and legal hurdles.

Impacts

• The effects of AVs would be felt most in cities, as an early application would be reducing traffic congestion.
• This would have the greatest impact in Los Angeles, where two-thirds of rush hour commutes are spent in gridlock.
• AVs would reduce healthcare costs by enabling mobility-impaired elderly to travel to hospitals, which would lessen the need for home care.