The newest Cadillac commercial touting the phrase “many great things come from American garages” presents an interesting view on automotive innovation. While General Motors wants consumers to believe that the new CTS is the next great thing to come out of a garage, the next great thing is unfortunately years away.
Autonomous cars (otherwise known as driver-less or self-driving cars) are not expected to hit roads in mainstream fashion until 2020 at the earliest. However, safety analysts predict that once they are introduced, car accident rates will inevitably drop. The reasoning has to do with the pitfalls of human emotion and the lack of it (ostensibly) in driver-less cars.
Essentially, self-driving cars will rely on radar systems, pre-programmed maps, tiny cameras and artificial intelligence to steer drivers to safety. These systems are not likely to be offended by being cut off in traffic; not likely to drive while intoxicated, or drive while distracted by cell phones or unruly children. In the alternative, autonomous cars are likely to use technology to avoid hazards that humans may fall prey to.
In the meantime, drivers in Colorado will have to rely on their own faculties and use reasonable care while behind the wheel. This means that they must avoid using cell phones while driving, drive without being impaired by alcohol and refrain from aggressive driving. Should any of these practices lead to an accident, a driver could be held liable by those who are injured.
For more information about an injured person’s rights and options after a car accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney.
Source: LA Times.com, “54 million self-driving cars will be on the road by 2035, study finds,” David Undercoffer, January 2, 2014
