Just when we got used to robot couriers trundling around Estonian footpaths, Estonia has taken another step into the future — becoming one of the first countries in Europe to allow self-driving systems on public roads.
If you’ve ever visited Estonia and watched a cute delivery robot confidently navigate a street crossing while not quite believing your own eyes, here’s your next glimpse of the future.
Estonia has become the third European Union country to allow cars equipped with self-driving systems on its roads, following the Netherlands and Lithuania. According to Estonian public broadcaster ERR, drivers of newer Tesla vehicles may be able to install self-driving software updates within the coming months.
Before anyone writes to us: no, we’re not endorsing self-driving cars, sleeping behind the wheel, or attempting a Tallinn-to-Tartu road trip while knitting a scarf. We are simply observing, with equal parts fascination and raised eyebrows, that Estonia once again appears to be at the front of the queue when it comes to embracing new technology.
The important detail is that these are not fully autonomous vehicles. Under current rules, a driver must still be behind the wheel and remains legally responsible for the vehicle at all times. According to Estonia’s Transport Administration, the system is considered a driver-assistance technology rather than a replacement for the driver.
In practice, that creates an interesting partnership. The car helps drive, while also keeping an eye on whether the human is paying attention. Tesla’s system reportedly monitors driver engagement and issues alerts if the driver appears distracted or focused on something other than traffic.
Which, naturally, raises all sorts of fascinating questions.
Some readers will immediately wonder about safety. Others may be curious about privacy, data collection, insurance, liability and what exactly happens when a vehicle is simultaneously driving itself and supervising its human. According to legal experts interviewed by ERR, these are precisely the sorts of questions lawmakers will increasingly need to tackle as automated driving technology becomes more common.
Technology journalist Kuldar Kullasepp, who tested a self-driving Tesla in Finland, described the experience as almost uneventful — perhaps the highest compliment a car can receive. He said the vehicle handled conditions smoothly and that the journey occasionally became “boring”, which is presumably better than “terrifying”.
Supporters also argue that automated systems could improve road safety and driving behaviour by eliminating some of the human habits that make traffic frustrating. Skeptics, meanwhile, are likely to keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel and one eyebrow permanently raised.
Either way, it is happening.
So if you’re driving in Estonia in the near future and notice a Tesla beside you looking suspiciously self-confident — don’t panic. The driver is still supposed to be keeping their eyes on the road. At least that’s the plan.
Read more: Estonia becomes third EU country to allow self-driving cars on its roads (ERR).
