Safety and Self-Driving Cars – 1 Major Con That Could Come as a Result of Automation
How can self-driving cars prevent accidents?
Self-driving cars seem to be the way of the future. Studies expect there to be close to 4.5 million self-driving cars on US roads by 2030.
It may seem like something out of a cartoon or science fiction, but with self-driving cars now a reality, it’s important to understand potential safety issues.
To start, there are different levels of automation:
Level 0 – Driver is still fully responsible for all functions of the vehicle
Level 1 – Some driver assistance, often with acceleration OR steering
Level 2 – Some driver assistance, often with acceleration AND steering
Level 3 – A system handles all aspects of driving, with the driver ready to take over if need be
Level 4 – System is full-serviced under certain conditions
Level 5 – System is full-serviced under all conditions
As of today, the term self-driving car isn’t fully accurate. Most of these vehicles have automated features, but they aren’t yet completely self-driving.
Many researchers believe there are major benefits for self-driving cars. This includes making an environmental impact, as well as the opportunity for other economic gains.
Economically speaking, researchers believe there could be a decrease in accidents, which would in return lower the costs of car repairs. This poses the question: will self-driving cars be safer?
The general consensus is that most car accidents are caused by human error, including hazards such as:
- Distracted drivers
- Drunk drivers
- Drowsy drivers
- Speeding
- Aggressive drivers
- Tailgating
With that said, a new set of issues could arrive from self-driving cars.
There are already news stories about drivers sleeping behind the wheel of their self-driving cars before they are fully automated. A level of awareness is needed to take control of a vehicle, and napping is still human error.
When some cars eventually become fully automated, the possibility of system errors could overtake those by humans.
For example, what if a system doesn’t recognize someone crossing the street? The vehicle may still go through the crosswalk at a regular speed, leading to a pedestrian accident.
There is a possibility that self-driving cars will have some sort of medical alert system. Imagine a situation where your car automatically notifies 911 that there was an incident, getting them there quicker.
Long story short, it’s hard to determine whether or not self-driving cars will be safer than other vehicles. The most likely outcome is there will be new challenges in relation to the future of car accidents.
Regardless of automation, there will still be accidents. Whether fully-automated or still manually operated, car crashes can lead to life-altering personal injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Neck damage
- Chronic back pain
- Concussions or other head injuries
- Puncture wounds
- Vital organ damage
- Paralysis
- Loss of limbs
- Death
If your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
At C&B Law Group, our Los Angeles car accident lawyers are ready to help you negotiate the highest compensation possible for your case.
We have over 10 years of combined experience helping car crash victims recover damages for their injuries, including:
- Medical expenses from hospital visits, surgery, treatment, and more
- Pain and suffering that resulted from the accident and your injuries
- Lost wages after time missed from work or loss of a job/work opportunities
If you think you have a case, it doesn’t hurt to contact the Burbank car accident attorneys at C&B Law Group. We offer free consultations, so you won’t spend a dime on us.
Also, we work on a contingency basis, so you won’t pay us any attorney fees until we reach a successful settlement on your case.
We’ve helped clients recover millions in auto cases. We want to help you, too.
Reach out to the LA accident lawyers at C&B Law Group today for your free consultation.
