Dear Editor,
Quite by chance, I turned on to Fareed Zakaria’s GPS programme on which he had an intriguing presentation on Artificial Intelligence (AI), exploring its possible impact on various topics like knowledge acquisition, organizing societies, nuclear Armageddon and visual art. I was particularly attracted by a statement by one of his guest experts that we are still years away from fully self-driving cars. With impatient exuberance, I shouted “Hooray”, did 4 back flicks that only Simone Biles could rival (yea right) and screamed “Bring It On!”
I can’t wait for these vehicles to hit the market. With the Eagle and now the Jaguar heralding a major expansion in our road system as part of the overall developmental thrust, Minister Ashni Singh should plan to set aside some funds to procure a fleet of these automated intelligent vehicles and the Taxman should consider giving concessions to importers, all the better if they are electric, environment friendly models.
Why, you ask? Simple. As GT’s finest are fighting an uphill battle on our roadways, these intelligent (I stress intelligent) vehicles would eventually make the uncouth road hogs obsolete, extinct, relegated to the roadside garbage heap of history. Can you imagine our roads being traversed by vehicles that would, at all times, observe the speed limits and rules of the road, yield courteously to the right of way of others, not blind oncoming traffic at night with bright lights and not be propelled by alcohol or other intoxicating substances – breathalysers would become outmoded as well.
So bring on the AI driven cars I say. Is it too much for us to dream also of AI minibuses and big trucks? And to no longer have to be subject to the “Left or Right” shakedown!?
Sincerely,
Neville Bissember
