Again, the effective cost has not stayed the same, cars are getting more expensive. I am all for increased safety, I just wanted to throw a little water on the idea that cars(or really anything) is getting cheaper. You may be getting more performance or safety per dollar, but thats a value proposition that keeps people paying more. All the convenience and "power" features I can leave, I don't need a car that goes 0-60 in 2.8 seconds because why would anyone need that on public roads.

I drive a 1993 land cruiser, fwiw I would not put my kids in it for long drives because I don't think it even has air bags.

I would argue that cars are sufficiently advanced now and there are more important things to focus on. I don't care if AI moderately improves the comfort or efficiency of a new car while it took my job.

Obviously we get things in return for the social and economic fallout, carbon emissions, pollution, destruction of education, etc. that AI has provided us. I just haven't heard a compelling argument for why that is nearly enough to warrant this.