Are Self-Driving Cars Really Safe?
The likelihood of human error is one of the reasons proponents of autonomous vehicles (AVs)or self-driving cars cite as a reason to move from human drivers to autonomous.
But does the potential for human error make autonomous or self-driving cars a safer alternative for their occupants?
How Self-Driving Vehicles Work
Self-driving vehicles have been in the works for decades, but computer software developments have put them on the attainable horizon.
Essential to any autonomous vehicle is the global positioning satellite (GPS), which essentially steers the car. The following computer innovation is essential for vehicle operations such as steering, braking, and acceleration. Ultimately, a computer incorporates the GPS readings with the vehicle’s operation, dictating how fast it moves, stops, and turns.
Most major car manufacturers are working on this technology.
Safety of Autonomous Vehicles
Human driver distraction contributes to the increasing number of fatalities. So does driving under the influence (DUI) and a failure to wear seat belts, so taking that out of the hands of human drivers has been shown to reduce traffic fatalities.
For one thing, we understand that humans tend to become distracted behind the wheel. Whether to talk to a passenger in the back, adjust the radio, check your emails, or put on makeup, humans do many activities while allegedly driving that cause distracted driving.
Distracted driving has become the most common cause of traffic accidents, next to driving under the influence.
Humans are not always so astute. To reduce distractions, self-driving cars will be equipped with cameras monitoring the environment and guiding the vehicle down the road. This allows the vehicle to stay aware of its environment and to anticipate what’s up ahead.
Still, blind spots exist.
In 2018, there were two fatalities related to self-driving vehicles, one a pedestrian hit by a self-driving Uber, and in another, a driver was killed in a collision.
Tesla’s autopilot technology has led to crashes when the human driver fails to pay attention and checks out even though he is behind the wheel.
In a 2016 crash in Florida, a Tesla drove itself into the side of a truck. The sensors did not detect the truck and the driver died. Tesla insists its Autopilot is intended to work when the driver is paying full attention.
The automated Tesla system was partially to blame for a crash in Los Angeles in 2018 because it did not react to emergency lights on a parked fire truck.
The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate these crashes and issue safety recommendations to industry and government to tighten restrictions on how AVs can be used.
Autonomous Vehicles in Alabama
AVs will likely come to Alabama first in the form of commercial self-driving vehicles.
While self-driving cars are on the roads in only four states, Alabama is one of 37 states with no laws regarding the operation of AVs.
Alabama Law SB 47 authorizes these commercial vehicles with no driver to operate in Alabama as long as specific criteria are met, such as speed, and equipped with remote electronic braking.
The 2016 State Legislature created a Joint Legislative committee to oversee the testing of autonomous vehicles. Nationally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has vehicle production guidelines.
So, it’s fair to say the technology is not quite there yet, but neither are human driving skills. The future holds promise for AVs, especially if the cognitive blind spots are fixed and the nation’s infrastructure is improved to accommodate AVs better.
For example, satellite technology, interactive signs, traffic signals, and road striping to stay in lanes will help the vehicle adjust to its speed and position on the road.
Your Auto Accident Personal Injury Attorney
Attorney Chip Nix has spent decades protecting the right of his clients when they are involved in a personal injury auto accident.
There will be many legal questions to answer when and if AVs populate our roadways, and the law will evolve with their introduction. In the meantime, if you have been injured on any Alabama roadway and are facing injuries and losses, call Attorney at Law Chip Nix at 334-203-6669 to schedule a complimentary consultation on your auto accident.
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