Johnnycab (Automation Paradox, Pt. 2)

Mid-20th Century

The mid-20th century was a time of futuristic dreams, especially in the automotive industry. Roman Mars highlights General Motors' 1956 Motorama, where they showcased a film titled "Key to the Future," depicting a family in a self-driving GM Firebird. This vision of automation promised a safer and more comfortable driving experience, free from human error, which was responsible for over 90% of automobile accidents at the time 1.

For nearly as long as there's been an auto industry, there have been dreams of a car that drives on its own.

--- Roman Mars

The film emphasized safety, a crucial concern given the high number of vehicle-related deaths in the 1950s. This historical perspective reveals the long-standing desire for self-driving technology as a solution to road safety issues.

   

Embracing Automation

Embracing automation in our daily lives has been a gradual process, marked by both excitement and apprehension. Sam Greenspan shares a personal anecdote of nearly causing a car accident, highlighting the potential lifesaving benefits of autonomous vehicles 2. While the idea of relinquishing control is daunting, the promise of reducing the 30,000 annual deaths from human-driven car accidents is compelling.

I want automation to save me and everyone else from myself, and I want automation to protect me from everyone else.

--- Sam Greenspan

As automation continues to evolve, society may eventually accept the occasional failures of autonomous systems as a trade-off for overall safety improvements.