Terrorists May Use Self-Driving Cars as Portable Weapons

November 09, 2016
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Self-Driving cars may be used as weapons

It has been revealed that terrorists could use self-driving cars as dangerous weapons. Cars being developed by companies like Google and Tesla could have security vulnerabilities which could be exploited by terrorist to wreak havoc.

This means that Law Enforcement Agencies worldwide will have to face considerable challenges when driverless vehicle become more prevalent on our roads. Their fear is that the terrorists could load explosives onto the vehicle and then remotely drive it towards a specific target.

The frightening aspect of this kind of attack is that terrorists could detonate explosive devices from the other side of the world


In this photo taken Wednesday, May 14, 2014, a row of Google self-driving cars are shown outside the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, Calif. Four years ago, the Google team developing cars which can drive themselves became convinced that, sooner than later, the technology would be ready for the masses. There was just one problem: Driverless cars almost certainly were illegal.(AP Photo/Eric Risberg) In this photo taken Wednesday, May 14, 2014, a row of Google self-driving cars are shown outside the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, Calif. Four years ago, the Google team developing cars which can drive themselves became convinced that, sooner than later, the technology would be ready for the masses. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Ramzi Jabbour, deputy commissioner of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) sees the potential dangers of such a scenario:
 
“While advances in technology will present significant opportunities and revolutionise aspects of our everyday lives, it will also present significant challenges to police,” Jabbour said on Tuesday.
 
“Driverless vehicles could be exploited by criminals, including terrorists, to be pre-programmed to carry out criminal acts.”

Despite these possible terrorist type scenarios, it remains a fact that driverless cars would ultimately save more lives in the long run around the world than any possible attack outcome.

We are already seeing trials of the driverless cars and this new technology will continue to develop and become safer in the near future. When driverless cars do start driving on our roads, it will inevitably lead to less road collisions and less deaths as a result of driver error.

Even now, some police forces around the world are trialing driverless vehicles and also integrating connected smart devices to the vehicle.

Another Police source in Australia,Graham Ashton, chief commissioner for Victoria Police had this to say:  “In policing we are excited by the driverless concept because we can see the potential for reducing road trauma.”

“If this concept becomes reality it would significantly improve safety on our roads, because most road trauma is currently a result of driver error or impairment.”

Concept 26 Driverless Cars of the Future

Author

Justin Kavanagh
Justin Kavanagh is a recognised leader in automotive intelligence and vehicle data supply to the entire motor industry. He has almost 20 years experience in building systems from the ground up. As the Managing Director of Vehicle Management System, he understands the need and importance of trustworthy and reliable vehicle history and advice to both the trade and the public.
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