Nearly everyone is getting in on self-driving cars, which some people feel is one of the greatest things since sliced bread. For years, science fiction books and movies have been predicting this turn in technological advancements. Many people are ecstatic about the idea that cars can be fully autonomous without any need for human interaction.
However, technology is still working out all of its kinks. Many self-driving cars have flaws that put their riders, surrounding vehicles and pedestrians in danger. Here’s what you should know:
Blending autonomous and manual vehicles
Until laws regulate what cars people can drive, self-driving cars are driving alongside manual cars, which may cause some issues. Many autonomous cars send signals to other autonomous cars to indicate their locations. This, in theory, helps regulate traffic and prevent self-driving cars from hitting others.
However, this same system may not work with manual cars. Autonomous cars that can’t locate manual cars may mistakenly drive into them, causing catastrophic damage to the drivers.
Hacking and remote control
Technology has always been vulnerable to hackers and self-driving cars may be no exception to this fact. If a hacker was able to reprogram an autonomous car, it may be able to take full control over its navigation controls. If this happens, hackers could take control of a car and recklessly drive them, injuring unsuspecting passengers and bystanders.
There can be difficulties figuring out who’s at fault for an accident caused by a self-driving car. You may need to reach out for legal help to know your options.