Warning over no drivers

Intelligent transport systems (ITS) that allow cars to talk to each other and drive themselves may scare some people, says Ford’s executive chairman, and the industry needs to allow some consumers to opt out. “A lot of this really cool technology, but if kind of freaks some people out, says Bill Ford. “Some people hear ‘autonomous driving’ and say, ‘oh my God, I never want to get into that vehicle’. Others say, ‘I don’t want my car talking to other cars – that’s terrible’. We have to do this thoughtfully.” Ford says privacy issues will be important as connected, while self-driving vehicles are developed to reduce traffic deaths and congestion. “We believe opting in is important so people do have that comfort,” it says. Car makers are racing to develop features, such as cars applying brakes automatically when they sense impending collisions or slow down because a vehicle ahead has warned traffic has stopped. In addition, Google is developing the technology for a completely driverless car.