Automated Cars a Reality and Now, Automated Long-Haul Trucks
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Brooks Schuelke, Esq.
Schuelke Law PLLC
Austin, TX (Law Firm Newswire) August 30, 2021 – Automated vehicles have long been the goal of many inventors, scientists and even carmakers. With an eye on reducing the number of crashes on the roads, driverless technology seemed to be a good idea. Over time, flaws associated with automated vehicles came to the fore, with the main concern being programming done by humans. It is not always accurate.
Some studies indicate automated vehicles can save lives and be more efficient. The real question is whether or not they are as reliable as vehicles driven by humans. At a recent Automated Road Transportation Symposium 2021, the most compelling argument in favor of automating vehicles was their ability to improve safety on the road. Approximately 1.3 million Americans die each year in crashes.
The deputy administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Meera Joshi, said the long distances of boring highways would be a good place to employ autonomous trucks. They would stay the course and not be subject to the human vagaries of speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and erratic driving.
Joshi added, “Ninety-four percent of crashes are due to human error. In a world of large trucks, over 5,000 people die every year because they’re involved in a crash (with a) large truck. Over 800 of those victims are the drivers themselves.”
Regulations required for autonomous vehicles are in place in many locations, but the technology has yet to catch up. “The real question is just because we can make something happen by using technology, is it a good idea?” asked Austin trucking accident attorney Brooks Schuelke.
When something goes wrong with technology, the outcome is not always good, particularly when it comes to vehicle crashes. Programming is fallible, and a programmed vehicle or other device is only as good at its coding.
No matter how much the public knows about autonomous vehicles and how they may make the roads safer, the fact is, accidents still happen. All it takes is another driver in their self-driven auto to collide with a driverless vehicle to highlight the risks are still there, no matter how much education and technology are paired.
“If you have been in an accident involving an autonomous vehicle, car or truck, speak to a skilled trucking accident attorney as soon as you can. Truck accidents are complicated, and gathering evidence is crucial to filing a lawsuit. Call us today. We have the answers to your questions,” Schuelke added.