Despite the promising technology of automated vehicles, the risk of serious accidents remains.
There was a time when cruise control and seat belts represented the latest and greatest in automotive safety features, and airbags came along just a few years later. Today, automakers are focused on different levels of automation and the move to self-driving cars. We are not there yet, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that many available models do feature driver assistance technologies and offer robust safety protections.
The NHTSA established a road to automation that includes five levels, and the highest would be what most people think of as “self-driving.” The US is currently at Level 2, but it may not be long before Oklahoma motorists are sharing the road with fully automated vehicles. These vehicles may increase the potential for traffic crashes, but there can also be risks to your rights if you are hurt. A Tulsa car accident attorney can provide legal details, and an overview of the dangers of self-driving cars is helpful.
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SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYSoftware Issues
It is frustrating when your computer crashes and you need to reboot to get back to work. Imagine the implications if a glitch within the software affects:
- Advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning;
- Proper functioning of auto emergency braking; and,
- Cameras and sensors that provide the necessary input the vehicle needs to operate.
Problems with Connectivity
Another technical issue could arise if the onboard computer losses connection to the network, which could impact operations throughout the vehicle. No connectivity disables vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications, which are the foundation of self-driving cars. The technology assesses the speed, location, and heading of other vehicles nearby, using that data to operate the vehicle.
Driver Apathy
Every motorist must be fully engaged and devote undivided attention to driving, but automation allows drivers to become complacent. Even low levels of automation like cruise control, lane departure warnings, and auto emergency braking enable motorists to rely too heavily on the technology. The theory is that fully self-driving cars will make it unnecessary for the motorist to interact with the vehicle when they do become available.
Impacts on Your Rights
If a self-driving vehicle does cause an accident, there could be implications when seeking compensation for your losses. You can be sure that the at-fault driver will try to pin the blame on the technology. They were not technically driving, so it must be the vehicle that failed in some way.
The argument could have merit, but there is another theory that faulty technology causes a self-driving car crash. You could pursue the manufacturer under product liability laws.
Speak to a Tulsa, OK Car Accident Lawyer About Legal Options
Self-driving cars are not far off, so it is useful to know the risks. For more information on your rights after a collision, please contact Boettcher, Devinney, Ingle & Wicker to set up a no-cost case review. After reviewing your circumstances, an Oklahoma motorcycle crash attorney can advise you on remedies.
