Self driving cars will result in less accidents and reduce overall risk associated with driving. In 2016 According to the National Safety Council approximately forty thousand persons died from motor vehicle accidents in the United States. These deaths were mostly caused by human error: drunk driving, slow reaction time, fatigue etc. Self driving would eliminate the element of human error. Self driving cars are equipped with sensors which scans for proximity for other objects and adjusts speed so as to reduce speed if too close or quickly come to a stop if a object too close. Self driving cars also don't get tired or drunk, another attribute to motor vehicle accident. These cars also outdo the time that persons take to react to a sudden or unexpected event / obstacle that may happen whilst driving.
Less Traffic
Self driving cars could potential lead to less overall traffic. Traffic could be attributed to human error. This may happen because drivers space out, tail gate drive too fast etc. Self driving cars because of their sensors are able to drive at the most efficient speed all things considered. Self driving cars may also improve the efficiency at the stop lights. This can be done at what one might call an autonomous intersection. Because of the sensors these cars does not have to come to a complete stop but rather, adjust the speeds automatically allowing for a somewhat free flow of traffic at intersections. This might lead to overall increase productivity, as if traffic is reduced then more time could be spent on actually production, delivery etc.
Noted Advantages
Less Fuel Consumption- Self driving cars could be programmed to drive at the most optimal level. This will lessen emissions put out by drive caused by unnecessary speeding and breaking.
Improved Mobility for Elderly and Disabled- Self driving cars could potential make it easier for those were unable to drive the ability to. This will give persons such as blind, elderly and disabled the ability to travel to where they would want. This will also increase their safety as they won't have to rely on another human to transport them who are prone to the mistakes mentioned above.
Ease the burden on Law Enforcement- Because self driving cars lessen human error and the laws in place that deters human faults i.e. drunk driving, speeding etc.. it will ease the pressure on law enforcement. Instead of having resources wasted on trying to catch persons who break traffic laws resources could be reallocated to other areas of law.