Posted in: | Sep 24,2018
Self-driving cars may be here sooner than you think, and promise to revolutionize the way we travel. However, one thing will continue to remain constant. Even as humans allow cars to take over driving duties, most auto accidents may continue to be caused by human error.
Driver error is a major factor in car accidents. Drivers who are fatigued or distracted are at a higher risk of causing a car accident that injures themselves and/or other motorists. Self-driving auto technology aims to eliminate, in part at least, the role of driver error in causing accidents. Many of these systems are designed to maintain safe speeds, and avoid traffic obstructions or objects in the path of the car. Many are also designed to warn the driver or activate the brakes in order to avoid an accident.
However, a self-driving car may not be able to counter the effects of the last–minute, split-second driver errors. According to a study by Axios, humans continue to the biggest cause of accidents in cars operated by self-driving technology. In 38 accidents involving autonomous cars that occurred between 2014 and 2018, 37 were caused by humans. In fact, there were 24 incidents that involved self-driving cars that were stopped, and all of these also involved humans.
Self-driving cars are expected to travel safely in an environment that includes not just other cars, but also bicyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists, many of who are not yet accustomed to the idea of driverless cars. That causes conflict situations and can result in accidents. This is the reason why so many self-driving auto companies are currently testing their cars in specific, controlled situations, like cities where traffic or pedestrian levels are low, or where the risk of sudden surprises is quite low.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, talk to an Indianapolis trial attorney at Montross Miller today and discuss your legal options for a claim. Initial consultations are free.
