The world can change a lot in just a few short years, especially when it comes to transportation. Think of the way that things were just a hundred years ago: motorized vehicles and electricity were fairly new concepts and it was still quite common to travel via horse and buggy.
Over the past few years especially, technology has completely transformed passenger vehicles with new features like automatic braking, fully-electric powerful motors, and specialized sensors to avoid collisions.
Of course, it seems fairly logical that the next step for vehicle technology is completely driverless cars. Advances in AI have made it possible for vehicles to operate autonomously. Companies like Tesla and Google are leading the way with features like autopilot and self-driving cars. But just because it is possible for cars to drive on their own, it still seems like there is quite a bit of resistance from the majority of drivers on the road. In fact, only about 16% of Americans stated that they would be comfortable with using autonomous vehicle features.
While there are certainly numerous benefits to driverless vehicles, many experts agree that there are still countless concerns and issues that may prevent autonomous cars from taking over the roads in the near future.
So, will automated vehicles ever become a true reality or will they remain in the same category of futuristic inventions like time machines and teleportation?
Let’s discuss.
1. Driverless Accidents Could be a Legal Nightmare
Figuring out who is at fault at the scene of a crash is always tricky and it can take many months (and thousands of dollars in legal fees) to come to a resolution. But what about when a computer is operating a vehicle?
This question became incredibly relevant when it was alleged a Tesla Model X vehicle crashed while the autopilot feature was engaged. It was reported that the driver did not have his hands on the wheel and was killed in the accident. So – was the driver to blame or Tesla?
Another infamous accident occurred just one year earlier when a self-driving Uber vehicle fatally struck a pedestrian. Again, is it the fault of the driver who should have been ready to override the automated features or is it the car company’s technology malfunctioning?
Situations like these offer us a glimpse into the messy legal battles that could occur in a driverless future. Many legislators and lawyers agree that there is a long way to go before the courtroom is ready to deal with complicated cases like these.
As a Los Angeles lemon attorney, the recent spike in issues with autopilot features and the future implications of driverless cars have a direct impact on what we do. Lemon law is intended to protect drivers by requiring manufacturers to promptly repurchase or replace a vehicle if it requires maintenance shortly after purchase. If a self-driving car’s technology malfunctions as a direct result of improper engineering, manufacturers must be held responsible.
There will need to be numerous regulations passed in order to protect drivers from the lawsuits that will inevitably be issued. Furthermore, attorneys will need to brush up on this technology in order to properly prosecute these issues.
2. Real World Variables Will Always Be Somewhat of a Risk
Although some may argue that AI can reduce the risk of human error when driving, it will never be able to develop good, old-fashioned common sense. Self-driving vehicles rely on radars, cameras, and sensors to detect any obstructions and keep the vehicle on track. However, autonomous vehicles cannot always comprehend obstacles flawlessly and make snap judgments based on the situation.
Things like inclement weather, bystanders that move unexpectedly, or sudden changes in traffic patterns in construction zones or at the scene of an accident can pose a big problem for self-driving technology. These vehicles rely on LIDAR to create digital representations of their surroundings, but snowbanks and puddles can send false reflections. If snow is covering the roads, these sensors could have trouble staying in the correct lane.
3. A Driverless Future Could Cost More Than We Realize
The entire organization of many cities revolves around highways and streets. So, if cities make the switch to driverless vehicles, especially for things like public transportation, infrastructure will need to change.
Roads will need to be optimized, specialized repair shops will need to be built in close proximity, and charging stations will need to be built all around. There is also the question as to whether these vehicles should be able to drive on all roads or have a separate lane, a project that could take years to finish. Furthermore, it could take decades before investments in driverless public transportation pay off, not to mention the thousands of jobs that will be lost in the process.
Another concern that city lawmakers have brought up is the fact that a large portion of revenue from on-street parking could be lost. Since many driverless vehicles are also fully electric, they could drive around in close proximity to the owner until they are ready to be picked up.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, it seems like our modern world may not be quite modern enough for autonomous vehicles yet. Legal and financial issues and driverless technology has a way to go before people are willing to put their safety into a computer’s hands.
