Many people in Washington and beyond get excited any time a new product hits the market because of advancements in technology. They upgrade to a new cellphone every time a new model is available, even if the phone they have is still working fine. Some people are the same way about cars. Their car gets a tiny scratch and they go shopping for a new one. Advanced technology enthusiasts are among others who are waiting on the edge of their seats for self-driving cars to hit the market.
Some already own a car with cruise control, which is also an automated system. The Tesla Company, however, announced plans to update its automated driving systems to be able to detect stop signs and traffic signals. While this might sound like great news to those anticipating the roll-out of fully automated, self-driving cars in the near future, the National Transportation Safety Board might disagree.
The NTSB has already recommended to Tesla that it’s best to limit where such automated systems can function, especially in light of at least three fatal collisions that have occurred when automation systems failed to recognize and react to roadway hazards. Tesla has warned that drivers must still pay close attention and be ready to act to stop a vehicle because the system may not work at all traffic controls. The NTSB said it is closely monitoring the development of the technology, and that drivers should be especially cautious. The federal agency also stated that law enforcement agencies would continue to hold drivers responsible for their actions or failures to act.
Overreliance on Tesla technology, as well as operational design faults on Tesla’s part are factors the NTSB says have had tragic consequences on U.S. roadways. Any Washington driver who has suffered injuries in a collision caused by another driver‘s negligence may wish to learn more about how to file a personal injury claim in a civil court. A logical first step to take is to request a meeting with an attorney who is experienced in personal injury law.