[jack9]

The ridiculous part is that we allow humans (~15% of Americans have IQs so low that the US military can't utilize them) to pilot these death machines. I support rushed legislation for as much automation as possible, for travel.

[mikeash]

At the very least, it's ridiculous that we allow humans to do this with only minimal training and infrequent, often nonexistent, ongoing testing.

Humans are always fallible no matter how well trained, but there are differences of degree. The way it is in the US right now, it seems like half the drivers can barely manage to keep their car in the lane.

[Aloha]

You don't need to be smart to be a good driver, its a fallacy and kind of insulting.

[flukus]

I don't know if smart is the right word and I very much doubt IQ is the correct measure, but you do need to evaluate dozens of factors quickly and continuously while driving, always paying attention and updating your risk assessment. It's a mentally taxing exercise and many people can't do a remotely good enough job.

[jack9]

How is it a fallacy? There's literally a test you have to pass to get licensed and that's up to the discretion of a mandatory observer. There's more than one observer in most cases via the written proctor, the driving proctor, and the eye exam proctor.

[cakedoggie]

It is ridiculous that we allow ANYONE. No one can maintain the levels of concentration we required for long periods of time, and in difficult conditions. And in the case of this story, with someone running in front of you, there is nothing you can do. But you are still responsible for their death, just so you can save a few minutes of time.

[TheSpiceIsLife]

> No one can maintain the levels of concentration we required for long periods of time, and in difficult conditions.

And yet a significant majority of automotive journeys end safely.

[cakedoggie]

Exactly, 1.2 million dead each year is acceptable then!

[tomjen3]

Counterpoint: out is insane that we don't teach, young children not to run out in front of the car.

[rhino369]

Is there any empirical evidence that automation is better than humans right now?