We see more automation every year but the challenges of making it work in the dark on snow covered roads where it is difficult to see the shoulders and centre line are imposing. I don't see them being resolved in a hurry.
I guess everyone could live in cities with nothing in between. I wonder what they would do for food and all the other resources they need to survive.
True, farmers have to drive cars/ trucks, but I assume they choose to be farmers. They aren't victims of car culture, shipping food by truck makes them good money.