It used to be that the notion of self-driving cars was a distant dream. Now, it seems that the dream has become a reality. The first batch of self-driving cars (also known as autonomous vehicles) is currently on the road, driving beside you. While this is very exciting, it may also be cause for concern. Are autonomous vehicles safe?
While autonomous vehicles are new to the general public, the auto industry has been working on them for years. There are even some places testing out driverless taxis. If you are a passenger, you must be comfortable with the notion of the car’s technology making the decisions. This means that you hand over the reins to automated GPS, parking sensors, acceleration, braking and all of the decisions that you would make if you were behind the wheel.
Keep your eyes on the road
Overconfident drivers may be tempted to take a nap or busy themselves on their phones while their autonomous vehicle chauffeurs them around. Unfortunately, these vehicles are not developed to this level of safety as of yet. State and National lawmakers are working on regulating self-driving vehicles. But the truth is no one has an exact answer as to how to keep everyone safe.
Who is responsible if there is an accident?
Law enforcement is treating autonomous vehicle accidents the same as any other automobile accidents. As it stands right now, the operator of the self-driving car is responsible for accidents caused by user error. If, however, the accident is a result of mechanical malfunctions, the manufacturer may also be held liable.
Self-driving cars are not without their flaws. It’s important to remain vigilant at all times when you’re on the road. Stay alert and if you are hurt in an accident with a self-driving car, seek legal guidance to maximize your compensation.
