The Idea Is Sweet , But The Reality Is Different.
Hello Community,
Okay , solet me just start by laughing again because honestly, the idea of self driving cars in a place like our country Nigeria, is both funny and somehow very scary too at the same time.
Like, in theory, I actually support the idea of self-driving cars becoming mainstream, they could make life easier, for people, just think about it , you are sitting in your car, you do not have to worry about the traffic, you do not have to worry about driving or drivers either, you can just relax while the self-driving car takes you to where you want to go, there will be no yelling, no car horns that are not necessary no danfo drivers shouting at you to move, It will be very peaceful I have to admit, Self-driving cars will make things more calm and quiet which is what I like about the idea of self-driving cars.
But now let’s bring it back home, Nigeria, especially Lagos, that is where the problem starts.
Because how exactly do you program a car to understand Nigerian roads? this is a place where traffic rules are more like suggestions than actual rules, oneway can suddenly become two way if someone is in a hurry, people drive on the road, on the shoulder, sometimes even where road is not supposed to exist, okada can appear from nowhere, keke will squeeze you from the side, and danfo drivers? don’t even start.
Now imagine a self-driving car trying to follow rules in that kind of environment, the car might just freeze or confuse itself.
So yeah, while the idea is great, the environment matters a lot, In countries where systems are organized and people actually obey traffic laws, it makes more sense, but here, it would take serious adjustment.
That being said, there are definitely advantages.
Self-driving cars could really help reduce accidents, a lot of accidents happen because people are tired, distracted, drunk or plain reckless, these Self-driving cars do not get tired or emotional, like self driving cars calculate, react and follow instructions, This could save lives because self-driving cars do not make the mistakes that people do, self-driving cars will always pay attention to the road and they will always follow the rules.
Also, it could make transportation easier for people who can’t drive, like elderly people or even people with disabilities, that part is actually very beautiful if you think about it.
But then again, the disadvantages are not small.
First is the issue of system failure,what happens if the car malfunctions? Or the sensors don’t read the road properly? Or network issues? because let’s be honest, even our phones lose network randomly, now imagine your car depending on that kind of system.
Another issue is hacking, If something is controlled by software, there is always the risk of someone trying to manipulate it, that one alone is scary.
Now let’s talk about accidents, because no matter how advanced something is, accidents can still happen.
The big question is: who is responsible? Is it the owner of the car? The manufacturer? Or the system itself?
Personally, I feel like it depends on the situation, If the accident happens because the owner didn’t maintain the car properly or ignored updates, then yes, the owner should take responsibility.
But if it’s clearly a system or manufacturing fault, then the company that built the car should be held accountable, you cannot sell something as “safe” and then disappear when things go wrong.
The tricky part is proving who is actually at fault, because with technology like this, things can get complicated.
At the end of the day, I think self-driving cars are a good idea, I do not think every place is ready for them yet. Nigeria needs a lot of work. They need roads, strict traffic rules and people to know what to do.
Until then I will drive normally. I will watch the chaos on the road like everyone. Self-driving cars are an idea.. Nigeria needs to get ready, for self-driving cars.