I am still trying to understand the logic of cars that follow other cars, as if you can trust them. How much deviance from the lane can the car you are following take before the autopilot just says, hell no.

the state of the roads isn't what is stopping self driving cars. considering the amount of road construction going on at any one time no amount of markings are going to help, then toss in rain, bad lighting, and snow.

No, what is holding them back is the programming and processing power that cars are expected to mount. As humans can drive with on their sense of sight cars will have the advantage of sight that see in conditions people cannot plus also have maps available at all times which should give guidance on where the roads really are.

The roads are deteriorating foil is typical election year crying. the bridges and roads are much improved since the 90s and the key fact most writers and readers of these articles don't understand is, the federal government does not have domain over many of the roads that need maintenance.