California Gets Ready for Driverless Cars

Attention, Amanda Bynes: Your driverless car is ready. California, which perhaps coincidentally seems to bear the brunt of starlets driving under the influence of stardom, has passed legislation clearing the way for autonomous cars on its roads. "Today we're looking at science fiction becoming tomorrow's reality," said California Gov. Jerry Brown in signing the bill, which sets safety regulations for testing and operating the self-driven cars. "Anyone who gets inside a car and finds out the car is driving will be a little skittish, but they'll get over it."

The concept is the brainchild of Google, which has been testing a fleet of a dozen self-driven vehicles that it says has logged 300,000 miles without an accident, reports the AP. "I think the self-driving car can really dramatically improve the quality of life for everyone," says Google co-founder Sergey Brin, adding that he expects the cars will be "far safer" than those with mere mortals behind the wheel. Brin predicts driverless cars will be commercially available within 10 years, and some Californians can't wait: "We wouldn't have to worry about people texting or getting sidetracked," says one. "The computer will take over, and it will make life easier." (More drivers stories.)