One of the biggest investments people are making is self-driving cars. Not only are most semi-automated or “self-driving” cars advertised as eco-friendly but they intend to make driving safer. The self-driving programming may make faster and smarter driving decisions than humans and spot dangerous vehicles to avoid collisions.
Many people think those are really great reasons to have more self-driving cars. But, like any investment, there can be some drawbacks. Self-driving cars can still cause serious auto accidents just like any other vehicle. Here’s what you should know:
1. Programming errors
Self-driving cars are programmed to detect other vehicles, stay in the lane, follow speed limits and many other things. However, just like any computer, there can be programming errors that endanger self-driving car passengers.
For instance, a self-driving car may come preinstalled with a programming error that makes it unable to detect people jaywalking. This likely happens because the programming was only meant to detect pedestrians at crosswalks.
2. Outdated navigation
Self-driving cars often have to be updated regularly, which includes navigation updates. A navigation update would allow a self-driving car to know when certain roads are unusable because of construction or otherwise entirely shut off. An outdated navigation system may not know when a road is inaccessible. As a result, self-driving cars may drive off the road or into restricted areas and cause accidents.
3. Battery fires
Most self-driving cars are fully battery-operated. This is the main way manufacturers intend to make self-driving cars eco-friendly. However, rising temperatures and electrical errors can create issues for the batteries. A self-driving car battery could suddenly combust and injure drivers.
If you’re in an accident with a self-driving car, then it can help to learn about your legal options to receive compensation for your injuries and losses.