DRIVERLESS CAR Meaning and
Definition
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A driverless car, also known as an autonomous car or self-driving car, refers to a vehicle that is capable of navigating and operating without human intervention or control. It is designed and equipped with advanced technologies, such as sensors, cameras, GPS, and artificial intelligence, which enable it to perceive its surroundings and make independent decisions.
A driverless car operates by using a combination of complex algorithms and data analysis to interpret real-time information received from its sensors and make decisions based on predefined rules and objectives. These vehicles can detect obstacles, pedestrians, traffic signals, and other vehicles to navigate through traffic, change lanes, and make turns.
The primary objective of a driverless car is to enhance road safety, reduce accidents caused by human error, and improve overall traffic efficiency. With the ability to communicate with other autonomous vehicles and infrastructure components, they hold the potential to minimize traffic congestion and optimize travel times.
Additionally, driverless cars have the potential to revolutionize transportation by offering various societal benefits. They provide accessibility to individuals who are unable to drive due to age or disabilities, and they have the ability to significantly reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption through optimized driving patterns.
Despite ongoing advancements, the widespread adoption of driverless cars still faces challenges related to legislation, liability, security, and public acceptance. However, with significant investments from both the private and public sectors, the development and integration of driverless cars into our everyday lives is steadily progressing.
Etymology of DRIVERLESS CAR
The word "driverless car" is a compound of two words: "driverless" and "car".
The term "driverless" is formed by combining the word "driver", which originates from the Middle English word "dryvere" meaning "one who drives a cart or chariot", with the suffix "-less" meaning "without".
The word "car" traces back to the Latin word "carrus" which referred to a wheeled vehicle. It evolved into the Old North French word "carre" and eventually into "car" in Middle English.
Therefore, the etymology of "driverless car" can be understood as a combination of the concept of a vehicle ("car") and the absence of a person in control of driving ("driverless").
