Self-Driving Cars Will Help Employ 2M Americans With Disabilities
Today on my morning commute, I had the opportunity to help someone. I noticed a man in a motorized wheelchair having some trouble getting his chair onto the train. Another commuter and I asked if he wanted assistance and we lifted his wheels and helped him onto the train. What kind of access do people with disabilities to public transportation? While the Americans With Disabilities Act mandates access to public transportation, it has its shortcomings, especially in certain parts of the country. A recent study indicates that self-driving cars are a viable solution for Americans with disabilities.
Ruderman Family Foundation & SAFE
A new report, Self-Driving Cars: The Impact On People With Disabilities was recently released by the Ruderman Family Foundation and Securing America's Future Energy (SAFE). The report indicates that the implementation of driver-less cars will make it cheaper and easier for Americans with disabilities to travel.
“Approximately 2 million individuals with disabilities would have new employment opportunities,” the study said. “New transportation technologies have the potential to help those with disabilities enjoy the activities that those without disabilities take for granted.”
The study also shows that the use of self-driving cars will save America money. Around $19 billion dollars in health care costs form missed appointments. This is because it is difficult for many people with disabilities to attend medical appointments because of lack of transportation. According to the report, Americans with mental disabilities, hypertension, congestive heart failure and renal disease miss the most appointments.
Furthermore the report also recommends the disability community organize. A single, consistent voice of coalition can better interact with legislators and the auto industry.
In conclusion, self-driving vehicles are coming. We can make some predictions about what will happen when they arrive, but some things will be unknown until they are here.
