It\u2019s curious how the tone of the discussion has been changing since the topic of driverless cars first received\u00a0traction in the media. This time\u00a0last year, the majority of debates centered\u00a0around when exactly this great future would be upon us (if it happens at all), this year the media started to discuss the consequences of this development. It seems we would have to, eventually, bid farewell to the good old steering wheel.<\/p>\n
It is time to fantasize about the things we would have to leave behind in this brand new world, besides the enjoyment of driving itself\u00a0and a great excuse to escape from after-work pub parties with colleagues.<\/p>\n
If a car is driven by a robot, a passenger would have to entertain themselves somehow. It is not a problem for an average passenger, considering modern electronic devices, which are available in abundance.<\/p>\n
However, there is a problem. When a person is not driving, the risk of getting sick in the car increases. According to a study by University of Michigan, six to ten per cent of adult Americans\u00a0will be constantly affected by nausea and motion sickness in driverless cars<\/a>.<\/p>\n This problem is usually caused by the conflict between the signals the brain\u00a0receives through\u00a0vision and the vestibular system. Reading, watching a video and similar activities would amplify the effect. Watching the road and sleeping act vice versa, as noted by Michael Sivak and Brandon Schoettle, the authors of the research.<\/p>\n Driverless cars: how to have breakfast while steering https:\/\/t.co\/2QEjt8GLmx<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Qyx2HbMfgq<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Eugene Kaspersky (@e_kaspersky) December 15, 2014<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n