Nevada has approved a test of Google’s autonomous cars! Â That might seem to be a weird thing to post on my Undercover Pastor blog, but I pastored a congregation with a lot of older adults for eight years.
Losing one’s driver’s license is a big deal. Â It means a loss of independence. Â Jesus described Peter’s coming martyrdom in language that might seem familiar to a lot of seniors:
Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go. Â – John 21:18.
Some people avoid the driving test even when they know they’re having trouble because of the implications of giving up that license.
I think this is a perfect use for self-driving cars! Â Most trips that people in their 80’s and 90’s seem to want to make are short trips to places like the grocery store, church, library, hair stylist, medical appointment, a friend’s place, etc.
Sure, these cars are supposed to reduce accidents (a recent study showed momentary distraction to be the cause of most accidents). Â But they could dramatically improve the quality of life for a growing demographic – people whose minds are still sharp and who can still live on their own but who don’t see as well as they used to. Â I look forward to this expansion of the horizons of older adults.
Traditionally, older adults have not been early adopters of technology, but the stakes are high here, and I think they just might surprise everyone!
What do you think? Â Post a comment below!
I think this would be a great option for older adults. Im excited to learn more about this.
When I saw the title for your post, all I could think of was the movie “I, Robot,” but your idea is a good one. Seeing my grandparents reach the age where I was scared to drive with them was very unnerving, but they had to keep driving as there was no reliable public transportation around.
Yeah, self-driving and self-aware cars are two different things, eh? 🙂
I hadn’t realized how important driving was for people’s sense of self-worth.
-Steve