But still.
Google’s self-driving car has been demoed a number of times over the past few years — “Good Morning America” even took it for a spin in 2010. But the pedal’s about to be really put to the metal in Nevada.
Nevada’s Legislative Commission has approved regulations that would allow self-driving vehicles on the state’s roadways.
Sweet, huh? Near as I can tell from the story, it’s a bit of bracing open-mindedness on the part of Nevada state legislators. They’re willing, basically, to serve as the proving grounds for the concept of a self-driving car.
“These regulations establish requirements companies must meet to test their vehicles on Nevada’s public roadways as well as requirements for residents to legally operate them in the future,” said Breslow.
But the state is going even further: It is developing “licensing procedures” for companies to test their self-driving cars. Google has already signed on to test-drive its self-driving Toyota Priuses. (Google was behind the legislation lobbying effort.) Car manufacturers such as BMW and Audi are working on similar vehicles.
Drivers will be able to distinguish self-driving test vehicles by their red license plates. When the robotic cars actually make it to market, they will have green license plates.
I can’t tell you how often I’ve yearned for a car with automatic pilot. I could write, study, read, eat, relax, think ahead to whatever I had to do at my destination.
You could maybe just catch a bit more sleep on the way to work. Or recline and sleep to save on motels on a cross-country road trip.
On the other hand … I still want THIS:
(Side note: Google “flying car” and click on the “Images” tab. The pics are fantastic and plentiful.)
____________________
Hey, there’s also a TED video: