Are Self-Driving Vehicles Safe?

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the concept of self-driving vehicles has transitioned from science fiction to reality. 

These highly advanced vehicles, equipped with sophisticated sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence systems, are designed to navigate roads without human intervention. However, as with any new technology, the question of whether self-driving vehicles are safe is a top concern.

As Phoenix car accident lawyers, we believe in staying informed about the latest developments in the automotive industry, particularly those that directly impact public safety. Let’s take a look at the current state of self-driving vehicle technology and find out how self-driving vehicles can be safe and the potential risks.

Are Self-Driving Cars Really Safe?

Proponents of self-driving vehicles argue that these advanced systems have the potential to significantly reduce the number of accidents caused by human error. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), human error is a contributing factor in more than 94% of all vehicular accidents in the United States.

Self-driving vehicles, on the other hand, are designed to eliminate many of the human causes of car accidents, such as:

• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving (under the influence of alcohol or drugs)
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Reckless or aggressive driving behaviors

By removing these human elements from the equation, self-driving vehicles could potentially make our roads safer for everyone, including pedestrians and cyclists. 

For a free legal consultation, call 866-499-8989

Addressing Potential Risks

While the promise of increased safety is compelling, it’s important to acknowledge the potential risks associated with self-driving vehicle technology. As with any new system, there is always the possibility of hardware or software malfunctions, cyber security vulnerabilities, or unforeseen scenarios that could compromise safety.

Here are some of the key concerns that have been raised when addressing whether self-driving vehicles are safe:

• Sensor limitations (failing to sense other cars, people, bikes, animals, etc)
• Environmental factors (such as inclement weather or poor road conditions)
• Potential for hacking or cyber attacks
• Ethical dilemmas and decision-making in emergency situations
• Liability issues in the event of an accident involving a self-driving vehicle

Recent Failures Involving Self-Driving Vehicles

Here are just a few of the examples of some known issues with self-driving vehicles: 

• A driver responsible for monitoring and controlling a self-driving Uber failed to stop the car for a Tempe pedestrian when the car didn’t detect the victim in low light. Sadly, though a human was in the car specifically to correct any errors the car made, it was still not enough to save the pedestrian’s life.
• The NHTSA is investigating Waymo driverless cars because of traffic violations and vehicle crashes that have happened in California and Arizona. Of the two dozen incidents they are aware of, eight of those happened in Chandler and Phoenix. 

Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today

The Current State of Self-Driving Vehicle Technology

As of today, self-driving vehicle technology is still in its infancy, with various companies and research institutions working to refine and improve the systems. Here’s a brief overview of where we currently stand:

• Several major automakers, such as Tesla, Waymo (Google’s self-driving car project), and General Motors, have made significant strides in developing self-driving capabilities for their vehicles.
• These vehicles are equipped with a range of sensors, including cameras, radar, and lidar (light detection and ranging), which work together to perceive their surroundings and make informed decisions about navigation and obstacle avoidance.
• While fully autonomous vehicles (Level 5 autonomy) are not yet available for consumer use, many modern vehicles offer advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that provide semi-autonomous features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

The Legal Landscape

As self-driving vehicle technology continues to evolve, the legal issues surrounding this innovation are likely to become increasingly complex. We stay up-to-date on the latest developments and regulations related to autonomous vehicles.

Here are some key areas:

• Liability and insurance implications in the event of an accident involving a self-driving vehicle
• Privacy concerns and data protection related to the collection and use of sensor data
• Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations governing the testing and deployment of self-driving vehicles

Learn More About Self-Driving Cars and Liability

At Zanes Law, we are committed to being your trusted partners as transportation and the laws surrounding self-driving vehicles evolve. Our attorneys and legal professionals stay up-to-date on the latest developments, regulations, and best practices in this rapidly evolving area.

Whether you have questions about liability, insurance, or the legal implications of self-driving vehicles, we are here to provide you with the guidance and support you need. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions and protect your rights.

If you have any questions or concerns related to accidents involving self-driving vehicles, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to help you through the road ahead with confidence and peace of mind.

Call or text 866-499-8989 or complete a
Free Case Evaluation form

Car Accidents Blog Posts:

Why Bruce Jenner’s Accident is a Lesson for ALL Drivers Out There

Every media outlet has a scope on the recent and fatal Bruce Jenner car crash.  Many accounts have recalled the incident in varying detail but none look promising for any party involved including the

Phoenix Light Rail Crash

A very major and scary crash recently closed down a major Central and Indian School Road intersection. Although the crash has long been cleared since Saturday, the collision between a

Tracy Morgan Lawsuit Finally Settles

Many fans of the famous (now ended) sitcom, 30 Rock, anxiously followed the news after beloved actor and comedian Tracy Morgan was involved in a trucking accident. A Walmart tractor-trailer

And Then It Happens To You… A Car Accident.

An accident victim who was injured in a car accident in Tucson, Arizona describes her experience in this guest post. You hear about them all the time. You have even witnessed some right in