A growing consumer trend is an interest in semi-autonomous cars. Semi-autonomous vehicles, or “driverless” cars, are programmed to navigate roads with very little user intervention. These vehicles may increase road safety by sensing traffic and avoiding collisions. However, semi-autonomous vehicles may also be contributing to problems through distracted driving accidents.
Distracted driving is one of the biggest causes of auto accidents. Distracted driving occurs when a driver focuses on something other than the road. There are a few common causes of distracted driving, including phone use, talking to passengers, eating or changing the radio, for example.
How might semi-autonomous vehicles increase distracted driving accidents? Here is what you should know:
People may be relying too much on driverless cars
There are no fully autonomous vehicles. Current models are often equipped with driver-assist technology, which can include adaptive cruise control and lane-centering tools. These tools may be more advanced in vehicles advertised as self-driving than other cars. However, some people who own driverless cars may be under the impression that these vehicles allow for hands-free usage.
In other words, these drivers may believe that semi-autonomous cars are programmed to provide maximum road safety while the driver does something other than looking at the road. As a result, a driver who is distracted in a semi-autonomous vehicle may not respond to potential dangers, such as pedestrians, cyclists, construction or other vehicles.
It may be hard to know who is liable for an accident caused by a semi-autonomous vehicle. Depending on how the accident occurred, the driver or manufacturer could potentially be responsible for the accident. Victims of auto accidents should seek guidance to learn more about their legal options.
