Recent studies estimate that by 2030, nearly fifteen percent of auto sales will be the purchase of a self driving car. The idea that we will be able to ride in a car to get where we need to go rather than drive one may seem hard to imagine. There is still much to sort out both legally and technologically before this can all be a possibility for the general public, as a personal injury lawyer Minneapolis MN drivers turn to can attest.
Will There be a Reduction in Accidents?
Over ninety four percent of all motor vehicle accidents are the result of driver error. Does this mean that it is safer to drive an autonomous vehicle? Research by the Institute for Highway Safety suggests that car crashes will be reduced by eighty percent once self driving vehicles are available for people to purchase.
Will Auto Insurance Change?
This shift is likely to result in fewer settlements because there will not be as many accidents, meaning, less people will file claims. This is an attractive prospect for insurance companies. As a result, it is likely that there will be a reduction in insurance premiums.
Semi-Autonomous Vehicle
People now have access to cars that are semi autonomous with safety features that include:
- Cars that can maintain the distance between your car and the one in front of you when cruise control is being used.
- Alerts that ensure that you are staying in your lane and not drifting. They can even correct you by keeping you in your lane.
- Cars that are self braking
- Cars equipped with systems that will warn you of hazards through the use of radars, lasers and cameras, which can warn you from a collision
With access to these types of safety mechanisms, drivers can be safer on the road and ultimately prevent accidents.
Who is Liable in a Self Driving Vehicle Accident?
There will always be risk of an accident, regardless of whether or not there are self driving vehicles on the road. It is virtually impossible to avoid all motor vehicle accidents. As self driving cars gain popularity, it may be difficult to figure out who is liable in a car accident. The law will have some catching up to do when it comes to accidents involved autonomous vehicles. There will be much to sort out when it comes to who will be liable.
It may be possible that we will no longer have to drive motor vehicles. Regardless of this, it will still be important to develop regulations around self driving vehicles.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Johnston Martineau PLLP for their insight into self driving car accidents.