What do "laws" prove?

In a discussion about the effect of self-driving cars on cops and their DWI grift, someone said, "Self driving cars are a fantasy. They do not have the ability. They can assist but cannot drive themselves."

Now, this is objectively not true. Someone else pointed out. "I've seen them driving around downtown, sans human driver."

The Luddite's response. "They are not reliable. Several have ran over pedestrians and they have been the cause of accidents"

I pointed out, "Humans are even less reliable, unfortunately."

So, he responded, "If that is true then why is it required for a person to be at the wheel and paying attention while the vehicle is driving itself?"

My response, which should have ended the debate: "Because laws are archaic and stupid."

That "laws" require something dumb isn't an argument. It proves nothing. It doesn't make the case that statists believe it makes. Most legislation is years behind the curve. And even if it weren't, it would still be stupid (and evil).

Look, I would FEEL unsafe in a self-driving car. I really want to be in control, even though I don't like piloting vehicles very much. But, intellectually, I know they are already safer than human drivers. It doesn't matter whether I want that to be true or not. Mine is an irrational reaction based only on my feelings, not on reality.
Like my disdain for air travel (even without the TSA and security theater making it worse). Feelings aren't reality.

The weak link in traffic safety is the human behind the wheel- and it always has been. Drunk or sober.

The Luddite brought up several more objections, but every single problem he mentioned is also true for human drivers. Probably to a greater degree! Every single one. And, you know he knows it- he just doesn't like the idea of self-driving cars. 

Here's the thing he's ignoring: Self-driving cars will continue to improve in their ability to safely handle real-world conditions and surprises. Humans, not so much.

I don't want legislation (or rules) to either mandate or forbid self-driving cars. I want the State kept out of our vehicles entirely. Government interference is the real danger.

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Thank you for reading.
What do you think? Value for value? 

If not, that’s OK.