My dream car is connected to the road via a laser that allows a computer to direct the path of the car.  Like an airplane, I would be able to set the car on cruise and lay back the seat for the trip.  This is a picture I dreamed up nearly twenty years ago when I was driving back and forth to college.  Now, I see my dreams played out on the big screen and it makes me wonder just how close technology is to http://www.autopartsplace.com/car-technologies.htm.

It is already possible to have cars that will self diagnose, navigate, and even find you a restaurant.  Not too far away are the windshields that can be darkened with a touch of a button, joystick driving, and tires that will morph to fit the terrine.

Not every one is excited about losing control of their driving machines.  Like the Will Smith character in I Robot, some people are worried that the machines can’t be trusted.  It would disconcerting to point the car for the beach and wake up in the desert.  At the same time, it would be nice not to have to worry about falling asleep at the wheel on long trips. 

Machines can do a great number of things more efficiently than human beings.  Even with all the advances to automotive technology, I still don’t think most people are ready to give them the wheel.