In America’s most congested cities such as Los Angeles and New York City, commuters lose roughly 100 hours per year to sitting in traffic. It would be ideal to be able to spend that time doing something other than looking at the road, which is why a self-driving vehicle is so appealing to some commuters.
While the technology has advanced to the point that self-driving vehicles are now a reality, there are questions about how reliable the technology is and if having automated driving will actually keep us safer on the road. In this article, we’ll examine the latest technology and where we’re headed with this exciting-yet-controversial transportation option.
The Future of Self-Driving Cars
Zoox, a self-driving technology development company, is one of a number of organizations working toward making autonomous vehicles a reality. The self-driving vehicle that Zoox is developing from the ground up “will have fully independent active four-wheel suspension — a design detail that will translate to a much smoother ride for passengers.”
The car will have four seats with two rows facing inward toward each other, making for a comfortable ride where passengers can interact. The vehicle will be a little shorter from front to back than the BMW i3, but considering its lack of a dashboard, steering wheel, and gas and brake pedals, the vehicle should be spacious and comfortable.
Though many self-driving cars are not yet being demonstrated or made available to the public, some cities are already seeing test vehicles on city streets. For example, a self-driving minibus by French company Navya has been tested in the Vegas Strip, which could be an appealing option for those navigating two and from its many attractions.
Comfort, efficiency, and safety are the ultimate goals in the emergence of self-driving vehicles, but there are definitely safety concerns. We cannot assume that safety tests for self-driving vehicles have been performed in all the road conditions we have to deal with on a given day — not just traffic, but rain, snow, potholes, and all the different types of intersections we may encounter.
Moving autonomous vehicle testing to public roads has already resulted in a pedestrian’s death. An autonomous vehicle by Uber struck and killed 49-year-old Elaine Herzberg in Tempe, Arizona on March 18, 2018. It is important to note that a human “safety driver” was present in the vehicle at the time, but was not looking at the road at the time of the accident.
Tragic situations such as this highlight the need for exhaustive testing of autonomous cars and the efficacy of safety drivers, as safety should be everyone’s first priority.
How Demas Law Group Can Help You
The lawyers at Demas Law Group have a combined 25 years of experience working with accident victims. With the rise of autonomous vehicles, and the risks involved with their presence on the road, it is our top priority to stay ahead of the game.
Our combined experience and commitment to client satisfaction sets us apart as an ideal firm to handle new challenges in the complicated realm of personal injury claims. If you suffer an injury related to an autonomous vehicle, you may find yourself overwhelmed and confused about how to proceed with filing a claim. Give us a call or go online to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options and how we can help you.
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