Self-driving cars will have to earn trust: Your Say

Last month, the Obama administration proposed $4 billion over 10 years for programs to spur the development of self-driving cars. Letter to the editor:

While advanced safety technology certainly is helping save lives by preventing accidents in current models (lane-changing alerts, for instance), it would be wise to consider whether the lifespan of the needed sensors would match the lifespan of the car (“With driverless cars, how safe is safe enough? Column”).

That is not to mention the concern that the features are being brought to you by companies that have provided runaway throttles, faulty ignition switches and dangerous air bags. I’ll continue to take my chances with human drivers, thank you.

George Souleret; Richmond, Va.

POLICING THE USA: A look at race, justice, media

Comments from Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

The way you’ll know that autonomous vehicles have “arrived” is your insurance company will offer you a massive reduction on your auto policy to buy and drive one. And the company will do that knowing it will save money in claims.

— Lyle Stavast

Sounds interesting, but I still prefer someone to drive for me or to drive myself. Even when my car needs to be fixed, I rent one.

— Mary Ann Collamat

That money could be spent providing medical treatment for combat veterans.

— Joseph Crews

I completely agree we need more money for veterans. But considering how many people die each day in car accidents, and the many more who are injured, I think this plan is a good investment, too.

— Scott Worthy