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Letter: Editor's pick: No one need own a driverless car

Published 2 March 2016

From Keith Macpherson

Driverless cars could lead to unintended consequences. At present, pedestrians are reluctant to step out into traffic: they don't want to be hit by a car. But in the future, they will learn they can freely cross busy roads. Driverless cars will stop because of Isaac Asimov's First Law: “A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.” Gridlock will ensue.

Houston, Renfrewshire, UK

Issue no. 3063 published 5 March 2016

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