The number of self-driving automobiles being tested or under development is increasing. Along with vehicles that completely handle road driving, many cars and trucks have computer programs that allow them to park and back out of driveways. Since software isn’t susceptible to driver impairment or fatigue, increasing numbers of computer-driven vehicles could make Minnesota roads safer.
However, there are also some possible downsides to cars that are driven using computer software. For instance, hacking could become a potential issue. Instead of having to break into a car, thieves could override the system and have a vehicle come to them. Additionally, there is a potential, if fairly small, threat of terrorists using computer driven vehicles.
Self-driving vehicles could also change the way that fault is determined in car accidents. In vehicle crashes, fault is usually determined based on who made a mistake or failed to follow the rules of the road, such as when someone runs a red light or changes lanes without checking to see if it is clear first. With self-driving cars, issues of software programming and computer glitches may be involved in determining who is liable for a crash.
Although self-driving automobiles may be able to reduce the risk of car accidents, there is a long way to go before they become ubiquitous on the nation’s highways. In the interim, human error will continue to cause thousands of serious accidents around the country. A person who has been injured in a collision caused by the negligence of another driver may want to meet with an attorney to discuss how best to seek compensation for the losses that have been sustained.