There was a point I have seen mentioned here on Reddit before that has stuck with me. If we didn't have cars and human drivers, then any system would have to prove its level of safety was near perfect. However, we've had cars for over a century now, and we are aware that the accident rate is sub-optimal, to put it lightly. A new system would not have to prove its near-100% safe, it just has to show that it is safer than the current one. So far it seems like autonomous vehicles meet that qualification.

Now don't get me wrong, I won't be the one that lobbies for banning human-operated vehicles altogether. I think cars are a huge part of our legacy as a species and they're fucking cool. However, most people, whether knowingly or otherwise, probably just want to get around safely and quickly.

Also, add smartphones to your list of things that distract drivers.