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Automobile accidents are the cause of more injuries and deaths in the United States than just about any other event. Whether a crash involves a car, van, SUV, or tractor trailer, the dangers associated with auto crashes are very tangible. The dangers of operating an automobile have become more well-known throughout the United States and the state of Georgia. For this reason, many people are skeptical of the potential for driverless automobiles.
Driverless cars have been detailed more frequently in the news lately. Google already has driverless vehicles on the roads in California to test their safety. Nearly 50,000 miles have been logged by Google’s driverless vehicles, and hardly any accidents have been reported. Volvo recently announced the creation of a vehicle that is able to not only park itself, but to find an open parking space in traditional parking lots. Drivers simply stop and exit the vehicle in a designated “drop-off zone”, then click a button on their smartphone that instructs the vehicle to park itself. The vehicle will find an open spot in the lot, park itself, and turn itself off. When the driver is ready to leave, they simply click another button on the phone app which instructs the vehicle to start its engine and pick the driver up in the designated “pick-up zone”. The vehicle manufacturer even claims that the vehicle can stop itself if something crosses its path, such as a pedestrian or another vehicle. This new vehicle is scheduled to go into production in the near future.
The idea of driverless cars is sometimes an intimidating one. On the other hand, many claim that these new automated vehicles may considerably improve safety. Studies on the sheer number of injuries and deaths as a result of car crashes in Georgia suggest that human error accounts for approximately 90% of automobile wrecks. Perhaps adding more computer input into the driving experience will lessen the number of mistakes made by drivers that cause dangerous situations.
Many vehicles currently on Georgia roads already enlist automated safety features such as electronic stability control, automated braking systems, and more. These systems have allowed for much safer vehicles and less crashes because of their ability to aid drivers when in need. For instance, electronic stability control senses when a vehicle is skidding and takes over the braking and steering of the vehicle in an effort to aid the driver in gaining control. This system is said to decrease the danger of a deadly, single vehicle wreck by approximately 50 percent. Perhaps this proves that allowing computers and technology to handle more of the operational aspects when driving a vehicle will make Georgia roads safer.
Although many see these self-driving vehicles as some sort of robot, they will not allow drivers to sleep or be completely unaware while behind the wheel. Drivers will need to remain able to take control of the vehicle in case of an emergency, such as an electrical malfunction or weather conditions that lessen the safety of these vehicles. These new vehicles will, however, allow drivers to send text messages and perform activities currently viewed as a distraction while driving. Many states, including California, Florida, and Nevada, believe that these new driverless automobiles are coming soon, as they have passed laws allowing for them.
At Jones & Swanson, we support any measures that may make Georgia roads safer, as we see the results of serious car crashes on a weekly basis. Eventually, driverless automobiles may be common on metro-Atlanta roads. In the meantime, we’re glad that auto manufacturers are taking an active role in trying to make U.S. roads safer in any method possible.
Attorneys Andrew Jones and Chase Swanson specialize in representing injured victims of car crashes in which another party was at fault. If you or someone you know has been injured, lost wages, or incurred significant medical bills contact us today for a free consultation at (770) 427-5498.
