is the tech in autos a good idea?

Some good arguments FOR technology, some good arguments AGAINST it. I lean towards favoring the high technology, especially anything safety-related.

Note where we've been and where we are now. Considering the MOMENTUM of that technology movement, one can reasonably assume that within 5 years, all but the very cheapest cars will have everything the Prius AT package has. Within 10 years, the tech features will have matured a whole lot more. Within 15 years, I'll bet you that cars will practically drive themselves, and do it very safely! Cars already are on the verge of monitoring a driver's "state of well-being" (sensors for vision and head alertness, breathalyzer, steering erratically).

Hopefully, there is a parallel improvement in traffic control technology which would allow cars to just about go from Point A to B without ever stopping. The traffic control technology would adjust every car's speed and spacing to make stopping at an intersection a thing of the past. Nothing I hate more than waiting at a red light when there are no cars or pedestrians in sight.

Imagine the time savings and the improvement in fuel economy!
Imagine the cost savings in auto insurance.

 

don't drl's decrease mpg?

 

Yes, by a tiny, tiny amount.

Tom

 

Now if they'd just add technology to avoid (or at least slow down) for potholes, I'd go for that!

 

I'm afraid that might render driving impossible in Michigan.

Tom

 

Driving round small towns and villages DRL's are going to help a lot. Sometimes you'll be going down a (narrow!) road, and not sure if the cars are parked or queued. Sometimes people are double parked, and one will move unexpectedly, causing people to swerve and whatnot. They are definitely a good thing, and i have no idea why anyone doesn't like them.