With every passing year, automotive manufacturers have been working with new technology that helps automate the driving process. These innovations are nothing short of brilliant, providing added driver assistance features and safety designed to prevent accidents or minimize their impacts.
Unfortunately, a world with fully autonomous cars has many dangers associated with it. There are still many bugs that cause technological failures, from software glitches to sensor malfunctions. They can even be hacked, creating a potentially deadly scenario.
Unpredictable environments, complex intersections, and misuse of features are other huge concerns with these new features, which may even lead to more accidents.
What Is an Autonomous Car?
Autonomous cars are vehicles that can operate without input from a person. They use special sensors, AI, and other technology to understand the surroundings and control functions like steering, braking, and acceleration. To call them self-driving at this point is an overstatement, as most cars with these features on the market today are only partially automated. However, even letting the car take over more of the control for a human driver could prove dangerous.
Autonomous vehicles work by sensing the environment around them. They use sensors, cameras, and radar to detect objects in the way, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles. They can also read road signs and display this information to drivers.
These vehicles use AI software to process the information, then it sends commands to the car to take control over vital functions for braking, accelerating, and steering. At this point, autonomous driving has six levels of classification. Level 0 indicates a car without automation that a driver must be in full control of at all times. Level 1 provides driver assistance with braking and accelerating, or steering.
Level 2 is considered partial automation, while Level 3 provides conditional automation while driving. In other words, it can drive itself, though only under specific conditions. The driver in a Level 3 autonomous vehicle must be ready to take control of the vehicle when prompted.
Vehicles with Level 4 automation can drive themselves in most conditions within a defined area without a human driver to intervene. A vehicle classed as Level 5 has full driving automation for any road. There are no vehicles available for purchase in America or for widespread use that are designated as Level 5 autonomous vehicles. The technology simply isn’t there yet, though in certain cities that are geofenced, there are autonomous ride-hailing services that people can use.
How Could an Autonomous Car Be Dangerous?
While the intent of autonomous vehicles is to make roads safer, it seems that at this point, they may do the exact opposite. There are technological and security risks, human-related dangers, and other concerns, such as liability, that make them dangerous.
System Failures
One of the biggest concerns regarding autonomous vehicles is that the software can glitch. Sensors can also malfunction, and any errors in processing key information the vehicle obtains could cause an accident. For example, it may fail to detect a pedestrian and cause a fatal crash.
Weather Concerns
The autonomous vehicles on the road today struggle in inclement weather. Heavy rain, fog, and snow can hinder its abilities. The environment, even on a sunny day, can confuse the systems in these vehicles. It may not be able to adapt to a busy intersection or construction zone.
Threats of Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
Autonomous vehicles and their software can be hacked, which allows someone else to maliciously take over the vehicle or steal a driver’s personal information. Since it continuously collects data for vehicle operation, it also leaves a vulnerability in terms of privacy. If this data is breached, anyone could access it and use it with ill intent.
Creates a False Sense of Security
With automated features, drivers can become lazier and more complacent. They pay less attention, perhaps turning to their phones, which will make them slower to react if there’s an emergency.
Incapable of Communication and Acknowledgment
In traditional vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists preparing to cross will make eye contact with the drivers or signal their intentions. Autonomous vehicles can’t do these things, and it is not capable of making the distinction. It can lead to issues at intersections and crosswalks, possibly resulting in deadly outcomes.
Impaired Driving Concerns
One huge issue with autonomous features is that those who have had a little too much to drink may try to use these vehicles to get home. This technology is not fully capable of being a robotic chauffeur that can provide a safe and sober ride. A vehicle still requires a human of sound mind to operate it, which can lead to disaster when they are intoxicated.
It is worth noting that all of these dangers could lead to legal and liability issues. Determining fault in an accident with this kind of vehicle may be more complicated. While it will log data, this data may reveal fault on the part of the manufacturer of the vehicle or the software creator, which will make the case more complex.
Additionally, there may be a higher crash rate at this point compared with human-driven cars. Issues have arisen regarding accidents at dusk or dawn, and when making turns. More research and development is the key to safer roads when employing this type of technology.
Some even claim that autonomous vehicles, especially those at higher levels, could be programmed for malign purposes. The potential is certainly there, making it imperative that manufacturers of these vehicles and those who develop the software prevent these types of outcomes.
What to Do If You Are Injured in an Accident Involving an Autonomous Vehicle
As self-driving technology is on the rise, more people may be at risk on the roads, from other drivers to pedestrians and cyclists. If you are involved in a crash with an autonomous vehicle, you must do everything you can to protect your rights.
Call for Help
Even in an accident that might seem minor, calling 911 is always the best course of action. More often than not, autonomous cars weigh more due to the added sensors and features. This means that they can exert more force in a crash, creating greater potential for injury. When the police arrive, they will issue a police report that notes their findings, which additionally serves as evidence in your car accident claim.
Seek Medical Attention
The adrenaline you feel after the crash could mask the symptoms of your injuries. You might not see visible injuries and may be able to move your limbs freely, but that doesn’t mean you’re unharmed. Always seek medical attention and let a doctor check you out to protect your health. You’ll have medical records that establish treatment on the date of the accident, making it more difficult for an insurer to try to dispute that your injuries were the result of the wreck.
Find Evidence
Documenting the accident scene can provide crucial clues to who is at fault. You’ll want to take photos and videos of the vehicles, road conditions, crash scene, and any injuries. If the vehicle was autonomous in any way, make sure you take photos of any visible cameras on the exterior.
Talk to Witnesses
Most people who witness a car accident will stop to check on the victims. They may try to render aid or call 911 if the driver is unconscious. If you are conscious, speak to any witnesses and get their names and contact information. They may also be willing to let you record a statement on your phone. This can help, as they’ll be relaying the information while it is still fresh, and may provide details that prove the driver in the autonomous vehicle is to blame.
Ask a Personal Injury Attorney for Advocacy
You’re not required to talk to a lawyer and get their representation after a car accident. However, if you’ve suffered serious injuries and property damage, it is worth meeting with one. Most provide a free consultation that allows you to review your case and decide if legal action is needed.
Insurance companies are always happy when injured victims decide to handle their claims without an attorney. They can then employ devious tactics to reduce settlement payouts. It is also common for insurers to offer quick settlements, and injured victims often agree without thinking it through. You’re likely thinking of the medical bills you’ve already incurred, but will you need future medical care from these injuries? Are your injuries permanent? Will you be able to return to work? Has the accident caused you emotional trauma?
If you sign a settlement, you are releasing the other party from additional liability. It is in your best interests to make sure that what you are offered is full and fair. When there are multiple parties involved in an accident, such as with autonomous vehicles and their manufacturers, make sure you ask an Indianapolis car accident lawyer for their legal guidance.
