My life revolves around driving.
Most of you know me as the news editor of Rubber & Plastics News, but I have a confession to make: I live a double life. No, I'm not Batman, I cover high school sports for a local daily newspaper. It's a fun way to make a little extra cash.
The problem is most of my assignments are far away. And all that driving takes a toll, not just because I drive the turnpike. It drains my day, especially during the crazy months of football and basketball when some nights I go right from RPN to the field, maybe a quick dinner along the way. I'm compensated for my mileage, but driving is the biggest time suck in the world. Add it all up, and it comes out to a lot of play lists.
As much as I love listening to music, if I could find a way to get things done—or just relax—during those drives, they'd be way more bearable. Maybe even productive. To the point where I could write my story and file it by the time I pull into my apartment complex.
Sign me up for a self-driving car.
Obviously, the industry has a long way to go before I can get my yoga on during a 50-minute commute, but look closely and these cars already on the road today, being tested in select U.S. cities. And if I've learned one thing during my five years here it's this: Don't bet against engineers. They're pretty smart and there are millions of them tackling this very problem. With billions—possibly trillions (cue the Dr. Evil laugh)—on the line, it's only a matter of time before OEMs and suppliers figure it out
