Experts warn self-driving cars would worsen inequality among people

Where self-driving cars are expected to enhance automobile and driving sector, scientists warn that these cars will worsen inequality, unless we act upon it now.

In a recent study conducted by nonprofit organization ‘Union of Concerned Scientists’, experts have warned that self-driving cars that instead of easing life for people, it will worsen road congestion and increase rate of inequality in large cities.

The research suggests that introducing autonomous vehicles in the area of Washington DC would increase traffic by 66% and that the added congestion would likely benefit the wealthy and take opportunities away from low-income communities, reported Futurism.

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“One way or another, this technology is coming. These cars are already being tested in cities,” said lead author Richard Ezike. “If we do not plan and set out thoughtful policies, driverless cars could exacerbate the challenges we see in transportation today — especially for under-served communities.”

Experts warn that cities that introduce autonomous cars should also invest in public transit in order to make sure that those who have longer commutes and would get stuck in the congestion born from them can still find and make it to their jobs.

Moreover, researchers also suggested imposing a fine for any single-passenger autonomous vehicle trip to encourage carpooling and cut down on how many vehicles fill up the streets.

“We need to think carefully about how we will integrate automated vehicles into our daily lives,” said Ezike. “We need to prioritize people, not vehicles, and craft strong policies to incentivize drivers and ride-sharing companies to use these vehicles in a way that reduces congestion, cuts emissions and promotes equitable access.”