The Potential Safety Shortcomings of Self-Driving Vehicles on the Road

By Tara Helms | August 4, 2020

You may have thought about the prospect of self-driving vehicles populating the roadways and highways of our nation, and how safe that would be. A number of companies are pursuing the top spot in the autonomous vehicle market at this time and you may soon be sharing the road with these vehicles on an ever increasing basis.

Autonomous vehicle manufacturers and various experts in this form of technology claim that self-driving cars are the key to safety, fewer injuries, and fewer deaths on the road in the future. Most vehicle collisions today occur due to preventable human error, after all. However, new data from a study published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) suggests that these vehicles may not help prevent as many as two thirds of all car crashes.

The problem of complex driving and crash scenarios

Car accidents occur for various reasons, including reckless decisions, distracted driving, and more. It seems logical to assume that taking human beings out of the driving equation would result in a significant drop in the number of car accidents. However, there are some things to consider before making this assumption:

  • Until self-driving vehicles populate the road in significant numbers, it is not possible to know for certain how crash rates will change. Unexpected problems may arise.
  • Even though an autonomous vehicle can be programmed to avoid common human behaviors and errors, it cannot be programmed to account for the myriad of complex crash scenarios that can occur on the road.

Due to roadway occurrences such as lane departure, following too close behind, and more, autonomous vehicles may be the answer for accidents resulting from these scenarios, but it is uncertain whether these vehicles will prevent many other types of accidents.

If you have been the victim of a car crash as a result of human error, you likely have the basis to proceed with a civil claim for damages. An experienced Huntsville car crash attorney can help you move forward with a strong claim that helps you pursue any and all compensation to which you are entitled.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries resulting from an accident with an autonomous driving vehicle, you also may have the right to secure compensation for your injuries and losses.

Our car crash attorneys at Martin & Helms, P.C., understand the types of injuries and financial losses these accidents can impose upon the victim and the victim’s loved ones. Our team has the resources and experience to investigate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand how to negotiate effective settlements and try cases in court if necessary to achieve your best interests. To set up a free consultation, give us a call today at 256.539.1990 or use our contact form. Our service area extends to Huntsville, Athens, Decatur, Madison, and across North Alabama.

Posted in Car Accidents