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Autonorama: The Illusory Promise of High-Tech Driving

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Autonorama: The Illusory Promise of High-Tech Driving

by Leigh Seddon

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1670 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages

In his groundbreaking book, Autonorama, Peter Norton challenges the prevailing narrative about the future of transportation. He argues that the self-driving car is a dangerous and misguided fantasy that will only lead to more traffic, pollution, and inequality.

Norton draws on a wealth of evidence to support his claims. He shows that self-driving cars are not as safe as their proponents claim, that they will not reduce traffic congestion, and that they will not make transportation more affordable or accessible. In fact, he argues that self-driving cars are more likely to exacerbate these problems.

Norton's book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the future of transportation. He provides a clear-eyed and deeply informed critique of the self-driving car fantasy, and he offers a more sustainable and equitable vision for the future of transportation.

The Illusion of Safety

One of the main selling points of self-driving cars is that they will be safer than human-driven cars. However, Norton argues that this claim is based on a misunderstanding of the causes of traffic accidents.

Most traffic accidents are caused by human error. However, Norton argues that self-driving cars are not immune to human error. In fact, they may be more likely to cause accidents because they will be less aware of their surroundings than human drivers.

Norton cites a number of studies that have shown that self-driving cars are more likely to be involved in accidents than human-driven cars. For example, a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that self-driving cars were involved in 394 crashes per million miles driven, compared to 242 crashes per million miles driven for human-driven cars.

The Myth of Traffic Reduction

Another common claim made by proponents of self-driving cars is that they will reduce traffic congestion. However, Norton argues that this claim is also based on a misunderstanding of the causes of traffic congestion.

Traffic congestion is caused by a number of factors, including the number of cars on the road, the capacity of the roads, and the behavior of drivers. Norton argues that self-driving cars will not address any of these factors.

In fact, Norton argues that self-driving cars are more likely to increase traffic congestion. This is because they will encourage people to drive more often, and they will make it easier for people to get around without having to find parking.

The Inequality Machine

One of the most troubling aspects of the self-driving car fantasy is that it will only benefit the wealthy. Self-driving cars are likely to be expensive, and they will only be available to those who can afford them. This will create a new class of transportation haves and have-nots.

Norton argues that self-driving cars will also exacerbate existing inequalities. For example, self-driving cars will make it easier for people to live in car-dependent suburbs, which are often far from jobs and other amenities. This will make it more difficult for people who cannot afford to own a car to get around.

A More Sustainable and Equitable Vision

Norton concludes his book by offering a more sustainable and equitable vision for the future of transportation. He argues that we need to invest in public transportation, walking, and biking. These modes of transportation are more efficient, more affordable, and more environmentally friendly than cars.

Norton also argues that we need to rethink our land use policies. We need to create more compact and walkable cities and towns. This will make it easier for people to get around without having to drive.

The self-driving car is a dangerous and misguided fantasy. It will not make our roads safer, it will not reduce traffic congestion, and it will not make transportation more affordable or accessible. In fact, it is more likely to exacerbate these problems.

We need to invest in a more sustainable and equitable vision for the future of transportation. We need to invest in public transportation, walking, and biking. We need to create more compact and walkable cities and towns. This is the only way to create a transportation system that meets the needs of all people.

**Alt attributes for images:**

* **Image 1:** A self-driving car driving down a highway. * **Image 2:** A traffic jam on a highway. * **Image 3:** A person riding a bicycle in a city. * **Image 4:** A group of people walking in a park.

Autonorama: The Illusory Promise of High-Tech Driving

by Leigh Seddon

4.3 out of 5