Are you thinking about buying a self-driving car one day in the future? They certainly are worth exploring if you’re looking for greater independence, improved productivity, reduced expenses and greater road safety. Self-driving cars are especially advantageous for senior citizens and people with disabilities. But how safe are these vehicles, and are they worth considering? 

Below we explore everything you need to know about automated vehicles and their future. 

What are Self-Driving Cars? What Can They Do? 

A self-driving car is a vehicle that uses sensors, cameras, radars and artificial intelligence to travel between distances with a human driver. To qualify as fully autonomous, the vehicle must be able to navigate to a predetermined destination without human intervention. 

Already, there are a number of car manufacturers developing and/or testing self-driving cars, including Audi, BMW, Ford, Tesla and General Motors. However, there are no vehicles currently available for sale that are fully autonomous. Every vehicle you can buy in the U.S. requires the full attention of a driver at all times. 

However, we are getting closer to fully autonomous cars. Currently, there are a number of cars that have a low level of autonomy and some self-driving features like hands-free steering, adaptive cruise control and lane-centering steering. A self-driving car, on the other hand, must be fully autonomous and able to drive itself in ideal conditions. 

Will Autonomous Vehicles Be Safer? 

Each year, more than 46,000 people die in motor vehicle crashes. And according to government data, driver behavior or error is a factor in 94 percent of crashes. Self-driving cars can reduce driver error, making the roads safer. This is especially the case in terms of impaired driving, drugged driving, unbelted passengers, speeding and distraction. 

Here are some benefits that fully autonomous vehicles may provide: 

• Make the roads safer by reducing driver error 
• Reduce the number of car crashes, as well as lost work time, medical bills and repair bills related to the crash 
• Potentially reduce the cost of car insurance 
• Enhance independence for seniors and people with disabilities 
• Greater productivity – let the car park itself while running into an appointment 
• Keep the roads clear and decrease traffic due to fewer accidents 
• Reduce fuel use and carbon emissions 

When Will Self-Driving Cars Be Available? 

Some experts predict that fully autonomous vehicles will be available to purchase by 2024, while others say it won’t be until 2030 or after. While these vehicles are likely to make the roads safer, the technology must match. There are definite car safety challenges that must be addressed before these vehicles become a reality. 

For now, if you’re interested in self-driving features, you can look for cars that have driver assistance technologies. These vehicles have an advanced driver assistance system that helps with braking, steering and accelerating. They also include rearview cameras and vibrating seat warnings if you drift out of your lane. 

RepoFinder has a huge database of repossessed cars – some new! – that are ready to purchase. Get a great deal on a new-to-you car and take advantage of the latest technology. Banks and lenders are highly motivated to sell their repo inventory, so you can negotiate a great deal – and possibly even test some of the latest driver assistance technologies.