July 20, 2040
(This article is based on science fiction.)
Seoul, a city renowned for embracing technological innovation, has achieved a landmark in 2040: it has become a fully autonomous city where manual driving is considered illegal. This fusion of technology and urban infrastructure unveils the inception of a new transportation era.
The Achievement of Full Autonomy
In 2037, Seoul declared that 95% of vehicles on the road were fully autonomous. This paradigm shift in transportation played a crucial role in diminishing casualties from traffic accidents. Throughout a year, the number of accident victims fell below 50, and sadly, there was a single fatality.
The implementation of advanced AI and sensor technologies contributed significantly to this achievement. With machine learning algorithms analyzing real-time data from lidar and radar sensors, autonomous vehicles in Seoul were capable of negotiating complex traffic situations, surpassing human driving capabilities in safety and efficiency.
The Evolution of Driving: A Sport for Enthusiasts
With this astonishing transition, driving has been relegated to a sport, confined to designated tracks. It’s a remarkable demonstration of how social norms have swiftly evolved as we adapt to the age of full autonomy. Just as horses were no longer a means of transportation and became a part of sport and leisure activities, the act of driving a car is now a recreational pursuit for enthusiasts, enjoyed in a controlled environment.
The Illegality of Manual Driving
From July 2040, manual driving on Seoul’s roads has become illegal. With the city’s transition to full autonomy, the operation of manual vehicles within the general traffic flow has become obsolete and potentially hazardous. The focus is now on enhancing the efficiency, safety, and comfort provided by autonomous vehicles.
The Role of Smart Roads
This transition in the transportation paradigm was made primarily possible by the development and implementation of smart roads. This advanced infrastructure communicates with the vehicles traversing on it, directing traffic flow, managing congestion, and preemptively preventing potential accidents. The synergy between smart roads and autonomous vehicles is revolutionizing the concept of urban transportation and placing Seoul as a model for the smart cities of the future.
The Future of Urban Mobility
With Seoul’s emergence as a 100% autonomous city, a significant milestone in the evolution of urban mobility has been set. By banning manual driving, the city prioritizes safety, efficiency, and sustainability, heralding an entirely new era in transportation. As cities worldwide observe Seoul’s successful transition, this pivotal moment could contribute to reshaping the global perspective on transportation.