On Self Driving Cars

In Scottsdale, self-driving vehicles are everywhere. Due to its grid system, wide roads, consistent temperature, and lack of traffic congestion, many self-driving companies first test out their vehicles in Scottsdale.

I didn’t want to leave Scottsdale without riding one. I downloaded the app and called a Waymo to take me from my hotel to the airport. The app was simple to use, and the experience was identical to Uber and Lyft. The price was also the same as Uber/Lyft, but since it was driverless, there was no need to tip.

After a 10-minute wait, my car arrived at the hotel: a white Jaguar with sensors and cameras attached all over the exterior. Using the app, I unlocked the doors and popped the trunk open. I stepped into the car. It looked normal except for the driver not sitting behind the wheel.

A female voice walked me through some instructions. It went over my head, I was too distracted by the novelty of my first ride in a self-driving car.

During the ride, the Arthur C Clarke quote came to mind, Sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” That quote summarizes my first self-driving car experience. It felt magical.

One day, self-driving cars will be everywhere. And what a blessing it is to experience it early.

October 24, 2024


Previous:Clothing Maintenance
Next:The Millionaire Janitor