Google was granted a US Patent “for transitioning a mixed-mode autonomous vehicle from a human driven mode to an autonomously driven mode.”

Now comes the endless red tape over safety, negotiations with vehicle manufacturers, etc., that will tie things up for years.

Patent experts say that Google’s patent will not prevent others developing rival self-drive vehicles.

But imagine how your commute will change as you sip your coffee, handle emails, and check the latest headlines without jeopardizing anyone’s safety.