As the technology behind autonomous vehicles continues to improve, the world will benefit from numerous safety advantages associated with non-human drivers. It’s important to consider these safety advantages, not only from the perspective of supporting the ‘driverless car revolution,’ but also from the perspective of how humans – by refraining from certain dangerous behaviors – can dramatically increase the safety of driving for everyone, right now, without the need for technological advancement.
Let’s look at a few things that a driverless vehicle will never do:
Drunk driving
A computer can’t drink alcohol, and therefore, it can’t become intoxicated and incapable of safely operating a car. In the conceivable future, the owners of driverless cars can become as intoxicated by drugs and alcohol as they wish, and still get home safely without calling a cab.
Speeding and running red lights
Driverless cars can be programmed by manufacturers to obey all the rules of the road, such as speed limits, red lights, no U-turn rules and more. Since most car accidents are caused by traffic law violations, this will reduce fatal accidents dramatically.
No distractions
The computer that drives a car in traffic will always be on task. There’s no chance that a self-driven car will get distracted by a passenger, smartphone, cup of coffee or radio dial. The eradication of all forms of distracted driving will make our roads considerably safer.
With all these benefits of self-driving cars, one can’t help but think that most of these benefits are achievable now, if human motorists would only behave themselves. One way to motivate drivers to operate their vehicles more responsibly is to hold them financially accountable when their negligent and unlawful behavior causes someone to get hurt. If you or your loved one were hurt in a vehicle accident caused by another person’s unconscionable behavior, learn more about your legal rights and options by visiting our website.