Self-driving cars are supposed to be ready to go on a grand scale by 2030. By that time, all cars would have GPS, and be connected to a "Traffic Control Grid" grand computer that would serve as an info-hub/control center for all vehicles.
A bird's eye photo of NYC in the middle of rush hour shows that even during this so-called gridlock, there is actually a good deal of empty, unused space. With the cars being controlled by computers, they would have the ability to pass within inches of each other at moderate to high speeds (depending on our ability to stomach the ride).
This could also lead to innovative concepts like freeways with no lane markings. Then if the eastbound lanes were clogged, and the west bound lanes were empty, the traffic control center could designate a west bound lane to be east bound to ease the congestion.
Furthermore, without the need for a steering column, or a transparent windshield, the inside of the car could turn into an extension of your living room, where you could watch movies on the windshield, or make the windshield the display for your computer.
And best of all: There's no more need for a Designated Driver. LET'S PARTY!!
