Cambridge IELTS 16 Test 4 Writing Task 2: Sample Answer

Although the idea of roads filled entirely with driverless vehicles may sound unsettling, I believe the advantages would ultimately outweigh the drawbacks.

The most compelling benefit is safety. The great majority of road accidents are caused by human error, including fatigue, distraction and drink driving. An automated system does not become sleepy or check its phone, and it can react to hazards in milliseconds, so widespread adoption could save a vast number of lives each year. Efficiency is another gain. Vehicles that communicate with one another can travel closer together and adjust their speed smoothly, which reduces congestion and fuel consumption. Moreover, people who cannot currently drive, such as the elderly or those with certain disabilities, would gain independence, while commuters could work or rest during a journey instead of staring at the traffic.

However, the disadvantages are serious and should not be dismissed. Millions of professional drivers, from lorry operators to taxi drivers, could lose their livelihoods within a few decades, and societies would have to fund retraining on a large scale. There are also technical and ethical risks. A software fault or a cyber attack on a network of vehicles could cause a catastrophe on a scale that a single human error never could, and it remains unclear who should be held legally responsible when an automated car causes a collision.

Even so, these problems seem manageable. Governments can phase in the technology gradually, introduce strict testing standards and create new jobs in maintenance, software and logistics management. By contrast, the daily toll of human-caused crashes is a certain and existing tragedy.

In conclusion, despite genuine concerns about employment and security, the improvements in safety, efficiency and accessibility make driverless transport a development worth embracing.