Autonomous Cars

Use laser, radar, lidar, GPS, cameras and other sensors to drive autonomously(1)

Significant, but diminishing legal hurdles(2)

Major corporate interests include Google, Nissan, and Volkswagen (3)

1. Chuck Squatriglia (2008-07-01). "GM Says Driverless Cars Could Be on the Road by 2018". Wired.

2 .Tim Healey (2011-06-24). "Nevada Passes Law Allowing Self-Driving Cars". Motor Trend. Retrieved 2011-06-25.

3. McCue, Andy (2006-01-26). "RFID-tagged driverless cars on roads by 2056". Silicon.com. Retrieved 2011-11-20.

8-Step Ethical Decision Analysis 1. The issue is whether autonomous cars should be allowed on

public roads. 2. The interested parties are the corporations developing

technology who would like to see it used profitably, consumers who would like to see a safe implementation, and governments who would like to have a controlled and regulated implementation if any.

3 a) Unregulated usage of automation. This freedom

could allow for a booming market in the best case, but could result in unsafe roads and unsatisfactory liability for accidents. This worst case is not acceptable.

8-Step Ethical Decision Analysis b). Autonomous car technology is banned altogether.

In the best case, this would protect people from a potentially dangerous technology, and in its worst case it would stifle a potentially useful new technology and the safety it could bring. This is acceptable but not ideal.

c). In a compromise, autonomous driving technology could be developed in a tightly monitored and regulated manner. In the best case this would allow autonomous cars to be developed safely, and in the worst case could potentially allow dangerous autonomous cars on the road. This compromise is acceptable.

8-Step Ethical Decision Analysis 4).

a) I would be willing for everyone to be permitted to use this solution because it would allow developers freedom to explore new technology while protecting consumers from potential danger

b) This solution does treat people as ends rather than just means

5). a) This solution is in accord with what is natural because

it allows for exploration while protecting bystanders b) This solution is balanced between excess and

deficiency

8-Step Ethical Decision Analysis 6)

a) There would be a majority agreement that this is the most efficient means to the end, because it protects everyone's interests

b). This will produce the greatest good by protecting citizens while allowing corporations to invest in and develop new technology

7) a) I do feel committed to this solution in my own

conscience b) I chose this solution free of influence from others

8-Step Ethical Decision Analysis 8) The solution is primarily a pragmatic one because it uses a

compromise to produce a feasible solution to provide the greatest good to the greatest number of people.

Application of ACM Code of Ethics Abridged application of code Important sections to this issue:

1.1) Contributes to society by improving road safety 1.2) Avoids harm to others with strict regulation and

safety controls 1.3/4) Needs to keep data private to maintain ethical

position