How The Law May Be Preventing the Release of Self-Driving Cars |
Posted: January 25, 2016 |
For those who are yet unfamiliar with the latest creation within the driving realm: self-driving cars, that may not last for long. An invention that has been honed for many years and is being perfected as you read this, manufacturers are all but ready to introduce these magical contraptions to the general public. Not exactly flying car levels, while self-driving cars will likely not get you to your destination any faster, they do help to make it much easier for drivers to travel to destinations. Either way, it may be quite a while before these vehicles are able to hit the market. Due to the fact that we are officially venturing into unchartered waters, many lawmakers are baffled in terms of how to proceed in the matter of self-driving cars. What's the Big Deal? As aforementioned, many lawmakers are absolutely baffled in terms of how to proceed in the matter of self-driving cars. Given that we are now poised to see self-driving cars hit the market in the near future, (and they're also reportedly working on hover crafts, helicopter services, etc.) we will essentially need to revise the driving laws to include things such as hover boards, self-driving cars, and the like. The fact that we have yet to experience how these vehicles will affect drivers as well as the world of driving at large makes us essentially incapable of anticipating which laws and regulations would need to be in place. For instance, should the speed limit be the same for self-driving cars? While the most obvious choice would be, "of course", there are quite a few other factors to consider. Given that drivers will likely begin to pay less attention to the road, this will give them less time to respond if they do venture into a dangerous area and/or experience and accident. Who's at Fault? Moreover, the present laws only address matters that include an actual driver. Therefore, in the case of an accident with a self-driving vehicle, who would be at fault? The other person? The "driver" in the self-driving car? The car itself? This might sound a bit outlandish, but this will more than likely become the reality in many civil and traffic courts around the world, once using self-driving cars become a common practice. Moreover, although we will likely be thoroughly convinced that having accidents in self-driving cars is next to impossible, we have seen self-functioning machines fail in various sectors, throughout history. Sadly, the self-driving car will be no different. New Costs In keeping with that notion, there is also the matter of infrastructure. Presently, the infrastructure is made specifically for human drivers with human vision. It is highly likely that this infrastructure will need to be upgraded in order to be able to properly accommodate those who are using self-driving cars. While all of these changes may not need to be implemented immediately, they will most likely prove to be costly over time. Nevertheless, given that nearly 1.3 million people around the world die by way of car accidents, implementing a safe self-driving car system could save approximately 30,000 lives in the United States alone. Given the substantial benefits that humanity may reap from such a thing, it would be in the world's nest interest to at least look into the matter of self-driving cars as well as the ways in which they can be seamlessly integrated into the roadways. Don't Use Self-Driving, Drive Yourself While the issue of self-driving cars may be daunting and confusing, luckily, we still have other options! By taking an online defensive driving course, you can learn everything you need to know in order to safely chauffeur yourself anywhere you need to go. An easy way to learn how to drive defensively in order to avoid accidents, many online driving schools allow for a comedic course that you can learn at your own pace. Worried about being a victim of self-driving cars? Enroll in an online traffic school and hit the road with confidence!
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