This may be the way to roll out technology that may make some people uneasy: Gradually, with relatively open status reports along the way. That’s the approach Google has been using with its small fleet of self-driving cars, now driving under only limited conditions (small range, low speeds and so on). Many people may have doubts about the machines, but I think they’ll be out there and no longer rarities in the next five to 10 years (car companies are looking at a longer time line, but if Google continues making the progress they have so far, the projects won’t be left on the table for long). And by then, people may have gotten used to the idea that . . . well, computer-driven cars are likely to be a lot safer.
Drought declaration status: Statewide in Washington, and getting closer to that in Oregon, where practically all of the counties east and south of the Willamette have either a formal declaration or a request pending. Wildfire risks are a major consideration in the declarations.
Share on Facebook