Introduction of Transition brings cartoon Jetsons closer to reality

By Meaghan Ziemba, Associate Editor, PD&D

"I’m a little skeptical, however, about the flymobile’s potential after considering my own driving record and viewing several high-speed chases and cartoonish individuals trying to remember their alphabet on COPS."

Growing up, The Jetsons was one of my favorite cartoons. Aside from wanting a talking robot maid that baked goodies and cleaned up messes, I always dreamt about having my own flying car that could zip me through space and around the world.

I was ecstatic after reading that Terrafugia is going to introduce the Transition. The car-plane can fly through the air and drive on the road using the same engine with unleaded fuel. Though it’s only purposed for private and sport pilots, and not intended to replace automobiles, the flymobile opens doors for future prototypes.

I’m a little skeptical, however, about the flymobile’s potential after considering my own driving record and viewing several high-speed chases and cartoonish individuals trying to remember their alphabet on COPS.

Too many drivers think it’s normal to drive while texting on their phones, or looking everywhere but straight in front of them where the actual road is. And what about the driver’s who seem to be getting up on the wrong side of the bed every day; what’s road rage going to be like in the air?

Speeds would be faster and it would be a lot easier to flee from the police. More jobs could be produced creating a specialized police force, but costs in other areas could increase to afford the training and police vehicles.

Accidents are more common on the ground than in the air, and more common among 16 year-olds who are “four times more likely to crash than more experienced drivers.” Would those statistics increase among anxious teens waiting to get their flying license?

Men who refuse to pull over for directions would wind up in restricted air space, and women like me, who have no sense of direction, would end up 500+ miles off from their original location.

Flying cars would decrease travel time and costs, but the dangers that exist among irresponsible drivers would become more hazardous in the air. And while road construction and conditions wouldn’t be a concern, drivers would need to be aware of planes, birds, skyscrapers and towers, and sky divers and gliders.

While I support advancements in transportation technologies, and dote on possibilities of The Jetsons’ cars becoming somewhat of a reality, I believe the driving industry is unprepared for the responsibilities of air travel, and it will take time to create a safe traveling environment for flymobiles and their drivers.

What’s your take? Send comments to meaghan.ziemba@advantagemedia.com