Muscat – Oman plans to begin operational trials of self-driving vehicles in 2027. Would you feel comfortable using an autonomous vehicle? Why or why not? Here’s what Muscat Daily readers said –

Mustafa Al Hinai, Engineer

Yes, I would be comfortable using an autonomous vehicle, provided the technology has been thoroughly tested in Oman’s road and weather conditions. Safety would be my biggest concern. If the vehicle can respond faster than a human driver and strict regulations are in place, I believe autonomous transport could make our roads safer.

Mariam Al Balushi, Homemaker

I would definitely try an autonomous vehicle, especially for long journeys. I think it could make driving less stressful and give people more time to work or relax. However, I would initially prefer having the option for manual control. Trust will come gradually as people experience the technology and see its safety.

Khalid Al Maawali, Private sector employee

I am interested in autonomous vehicles, but I would not completely trust these yet. Roads can be unpredictable, with sudden lane changes, reckless drivers and unexpected obstacles. I would want to see several years of successful trials before using one regularly. Technology is impressive, but human judgement remains important.

Anil Verma, Private sector employee

I would be comfortable using an autonomous vehicle if it meets international safety standards and Oman has a clear regulatory system. Autonomous driving could particularly help elderly people and those who cannot drive. My only hesitation would be during emergencies, when I would want to know exactly how quickly I can take control.

Saeed Al Badaei, Human resources professional

A self-driving car could change how I spend my time on the road, so I will be interested in using one. Instead of focusing on driving, I could use the journey to relax or prepare for the day. I also think self-driving could reduce accidents. However, before fully relying on one, I would like to see how well it handles unexpected situations on the road.

Osama Al Ismaili, Human resources professional
Yes, I would feel comfortable using an autonomous vehicle because it can reduce accidents caused by human mistakes, such as distraction or tiredness. However, I would only use it if the technology is well tested, safe and properly regulated by the authorities.

Zaeem Al Sabqi, Engineer

I would feel comfortable using an autonomous vehicle if it passes strict safety tests and performs well in real traffic. For me, trust would come from proven results rather than simply believing that the technology is advanced.

Mohammed Abdullah Al Rashdi, Islamic studies teacher

I would probably use one, but gradually. At first I would prefer having a human driver or an emergency control system available. Once autonomous vehicles prove that these can handle different road conditions safety, I would feel much more confident.

Wadah Al Hashli, HSE professional

Yes, I would feel comfortable using an autonomous vehicle, but only after it has been thoroughly tested and proven to be safe. I believe self-driving technology could reduce accidents caused by human error, make journeys more convenient and improve transportation in the future. However, safety and reliability should always come before convenience.