It seems as if there is a national day dedicated to anything you can imagine, from your favorite foods and activities to raising awareness to important issues. With the innovation and advancements in the area of self-driving cars, you may not be shocked to learn that one of the newest annual events is National Autonomous Vehicle Day, occurring this May 31, 2021. Organizers hope to educate the public on the current state of science and technology on automatic autos, as well as to offer inspiration on what the future holds for self-driving vehicles.
Far from being some space-age invention in the distant future, the evolution of computer-guided vehicles is already well underway. The concept of driverless vehicles is certainly controversial because of concerns about safety and the legal implications for auto collisions. It is wise to retain a Miami car accidents lawyer if you were hurt, but you might also be interested to know some pros and cons about autonomous vehicles.
Risks and Dangers Involved with Self-Driving Cars
Experts estimate that up to 25% of all vehicles on the road will be self-driving by 2040, so it is critical to be aware of the downside of automation.
- Security Issues: There are serious concerns about the potential for hacking into the network that enables driverless autos to communicate with each other. Vehicles would be sharing a massive telecommunications protocol, so a disruption in transmitting key information could lead to serious collisions.
- Mechanical Errors: Automated vehicles rely on certain physical features and equipment to function property, including cameras and sensors that exchange information with the vehicle and network. A mechanical failure essentially disables the vehicle, which means substantial safety risks if it is traveling at high speeds.
- Adoption Must be Widespread: Any vehicle that is not part of the network will be “invisible” for purposes of the technology.
How Autonomous Vehicles Enhance Safety
Most recent vehicle models incorporate some degree of automation, such as lane assist, adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking, and other technologies. As a result, we can already assess some of the benefits of self-driving cars:
- Human Error: Estimates suggest that more than 90% of auto crashes are caused by careless, negligent acts by drivers. The sophisticated technology behind automated vehicles can reduce these mistakes, while also eliminating two of the biggest car accident risk factors — drunk and distracted driving.
- Traffic Efficiency: Because vehicles are in constant communication, they can travel at optimal speeds and distances from each other.
- Environmental Impact: As they work with each other to maintain speed and distance from other vehicles, autonomous cars also require less braking and accelerating. This factor supports the environment by reducing emotions.
Trust Your Claim to Our Experienced Miami Car Accidents Lawyers
While the technology continues to evolve, it is important to understand the pros and cons of self-driving cars and the potential for serious collisions. For more information about your legal options, please contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA to set up a free consultation at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.