Who's Afraid of Robotic Cars?

The New York Times recently offered details of Google's groundbreaking experiments with cars that drive themselves. The vehicles' artificial intelligence is capable of sensing objects on all sides, and aims to mimic the decisions made by a human driver. 

The technology sounds amazing. But will the public actually trust it enough to get behind the self-steered wheel?

Here's a run-down of how the cars work:

• A system of video cameras, radar and laser range finders is used to detect traffic and pedestrians.
• Google maps are used to navigate roads.
• A sensor mounted to the roof constantly scans 200 feet in all directions, measuring movements to locate position.

According to the Times, the cars can be programmed to drive cautiously -- "or any other driving personality." Is there a "bat out of hell" setting?