Self-driving cars could appear in a few years

Self-driving cars could appear in a few years

Self-driving cars could appear in the next ten years, says a recent report by the Center for Automotive Research and KPMG. The only obstacle is how quickly the technology and infrastructure can be developed.

Recent technology breakthroughs include a pilot test by the U.S. Department of Transportation of 2,800 cars in Ann Arbor, Mich., that can talk to each other and prevent accidents and Nevadas decision to allow Google to test its self-driving car on public streets.

Survey results are mixed: In a recent study by J.D. Power and Associates, 37 percent of drivers said they were interested in a self-driving vehicle if the cost is not much higher, and 20 percent are interested even if it costs $3,000 more. Such vehicles could be a real asset for people who cant drive now, such as those who are handicapped or blind, says Mike VanNieuwkuyk, executive director of global automotive for J.D. Power. But a survey commissioned by Ford found that more than half of drivers are uncomfortable with the idea of an autonomous car.

Some technologies are already available, including forward collision and lane departure warnings and a blind spot indicator system.