Self-Driving Cars Might Make Riders Sick

Ever get a queasy over a long car trip? Be prepared to hurl if you’re ever a passenger in a self-driving vehicle. Between six and 10 percent of Americans riding in tomorrow’s autonomous vehicles can expect to suffer some degree of motion sickness, according to a report issued by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. What’s more, the frequency and severity suffered will likely vary depending on what an occupant is doing while the car is on autopilot. Those reading, watching movies or television, texting and working should suffer the most motion sickness, while those who still keep their eyes on the road are likely to endure the least measure of discomfort. The study’s authors suggest automakers design self-driving cars with large transparent windows and orienting seats and displays so that passengers are facing forward to help minimize passengers’ disorientation. Beyond that, riders could take anti-nausea medications or, at the least, keep their eyes closed (even better, take a nap), which is said to help minimize motion sickness.