Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi envisions a future in which all cars will be autonomous within the next 20-plus years, leading to a decline in private car ownership and transforming driving into a hobby akin to horseback riding. He emphasizes that autonomous vehicles must meet higher safety standards than human drivers, as machines are expected to be less prone to fatal errors. This shift raises societal questions about the role of human drivers on public roads and highlights the growing focus on safety in the development of autonomous technology.

As companies like Tesla and Waymo advance their autonomous vehicle programs, safety concerns remain paramount. Tesla recently faced a $242 million lawsuit related to a fatal crash involving its Autopilot system, while Waymo takes a more cautious approach, prioritizing safety and acknowledging that some fatalities may be an unfortunate consequence of technological progress. Uber is collaborating with Waymo to integrate fully driverless rides into its app in Austin, Texas, marking a significant step toward mainstream adoption of autonomous transportation.