Flying Cars vs Spying Cars

Let’s be honest: by now, we were supposed to have flying cars. Do you see any flying cars? No, nor do I. What’s worse is that people seem to think that they’re the top priority in automotive technology. The U.S. Department of Transportation wants cars to be able to “talk” to each other by 2017. It’s Big Brother’s Dream come true.

The idea is that vehicles would be able to communicate with one another using vehicle to vehicle (V2V) technology in light vehicles. This would allow vehicles to know the location and speed of nearby vehicles and, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, could eliminate up to 80% of crashes or, at least, reduce their severity. V2V could also, in theory, help to alleviate congestion. Of course, it would be a mandate, because the government can’t just let the market and common sense determine what the public needs. 

Why wouldn’t the public want V2V? Well, because it’s a little Big Brotherish. While the Department of Transportation says that they would not have personal information on specific drivers or vehicles, they could be identified “if there is a need to fix a safety problem.” A safety problem as defined by whom? Will you be spied on for being a known raw milk drinker? What if the government follows your vehicle attending one too many Tea Party rallies or stop by a gun show? Will you be labeled a threat and followed?

So, should this come to pass, the government would know where your vehicle is at all times, and they would even have a handy little black box right there in your car. Yes, the data will be stored, so don’t do anything that might become illegal in the future or you’ll be out of luck. 

All of this, and the cars don’t even fly. What a rip-off.