Jeremy Clarkson warns that driverless cars are dangerous
‘I drove a car the other day which has a claim of autonomous capability and twice in the space of 50 miles on the M4 it made a mistake, a huge mistake, which could have resulted in death’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jeremy Clarkson has warned that he could have been killed by a driverless car as Chancellor Philip Hammond is about to allow the new technology to be tested on UK roads.
The former Top Gear presenter said he tested out a driverless car which made two mistakes within 50 miles, and as a result he feared for his life.
He wrote in the Sunday Times magazine: “I drove a car the other day which has a claim of autonomous capability and twice in the space of 50 miles on the M4 it made a mistake, a huge mistake, which could have resulted in death.
“We have to be very careful legally, so I’m not going to say which one.”
Writing about the technology being developed and safe enough for British roads, he said: “For now, we’re miles away from it.”
The Grand Tour host’s article came as Mr Hammond was preparing to give the green light to the autonomous car industry, allowing developers to test self-driving cars on UK roads for the first time.
Changing the regulations is part of Mr Hammond’s goal to see autonomous cars on British roads by 2021, boosting an industry which is predicted to be worth £28 billion by 2035 and provide 27,000 jobs.
Audi will start selling advanced autonomous cars next year.
Mr Clarkson wrote: ”You drive one of your driverless cars over the Death Road in Bolivia and I’ll buy one.
“Sit there with your hands folded and let it drive you up there, then squeeze past a lorry with half the tyre hanging over a 1,000ft drop while the car drives itself. Fine, I’ll buy into it.”
As part of his November 2017 budget to propel the UK to the forefront of technology, Mr Hammond is also expected to lay out a multi-million pound investment in artificial intelligence and 5G mobile networks to improve the country’s productivity and high-tech workforce.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments