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The fatal crash involving a pedestrian and one of Uber’s self-driving cars in Tempe, Arizona has brought attention to the debate surrounding the regulation of this technology.
Self-driving cars use sensors to detect or see obstacles around the vehicle. Currently, there are no federal standards in place regarding the reliability of these sensors. Proponents for regulation summarize their argument quite simply: if human beings must submit to an eye exam to obtain a driver’s license to prove they can see, why should the technology and sensors upon which self-driving cars rely not have to submit to a reliability test? Those opposed fear that regulation will stifle innovation.
“New technology like self-driving cars poses clear safety concerns for the general public. While innovation may be somewhat slowed down by regulation, common sense dictates that the enacting minimum performance standards is unavoidable,” said partner Christopher Fleming. “If tragedies such as that in Tempe, Arizona continue to occur, the tort system – more specifically, lawsuits brought by injured persons and their families – will most certainly encourage the companies developing automated driving systems to increase their own internal safety standards.”
Our experienced attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve if you are injured by a negligent driver. Contact partner Christopher Fleming for a Pennsylvania accident at (215) 567-1530. Partner Greg Sciolla can be reached at (856) 273-6679 to inquire about a New Jersey accident.
