Self-driving cars are gaining traction among many drivers across the United States. Although manufacturers of these vehicles emphasize their safety, these vehicles still pose significant risks of Maine car accidents. The popular electric car company Tesla uses an autopilot feature to allow drivers to let go of the wheel while driving. According to developers, the cars work faster than humans and work by collecting vision, sonar, and radar data to process driving conditions. The autopilot feature helps cars stay in their lanes, match speed conditions, shift lanes when necessary, and self-park. Despite these features, Tesla urges drivers to remain alert while operating these vehicles and keep their hands on the steering wheel.
This warning seems to contradict many of the company’s claims regarding the safety and reliability of their cars. However, Tesla’s CEO posts videos of drivers engaging the system without their hands on the steering wheel. In response to safety concerns and accidents involving these vehicles, Tesla continues to stand by their position that its autopilot feature is a safer way to drive.
Tesla claims that its autopilot feature is almost 40% safer than driving without this system. However, safety experts argue that Tesla’s statistics are flawed and do not accurately reflect crash data. In fact, Tesla’s autopilot feature was engaged during three fatal collisions in the United States. More recently, Tesla’s autopilot feature was engaged when a car rear-ended a police vehicle in Connecticut. According to a news report, after the accident, the driver told the police that he was tending to his dog in the backseat when the car collided with the police vehicle. Fortunately, the police car was disabled, and no one suffered injuries; however, images show substantial damage to the vehicle. Police cited the driver with a misdemeanor summons for reckless driving and endangerment. If the car were occupied, the driver would likely face civil liability claims as well.
Although parties on both sides of the argument continue to make claims and rely on data to support their positions, it is clear that the autopilot feature is not foolproof. Distracted driving is a real threat to Maine drivers, and drivers who engage this system must remain alert and ready to intervene to avoid a collision.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a Car Accident?
If you or someone you know is involved in an accident with a negligent Maine driver, you should contact the experienced injury attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates. As self-driving cars become more accessible, Maine is likely to experience a higher rate of accidents. Drivers of these vehicles must heed the company’s warnings to avoid causing accidents and injuries. The attorneys at our office can assist you if you are involved in a collision with a negligent driver. We have a longstanding history of successfully representing Maine car accident victims and getting them the compensation that they deserve. Compensation typically includes payments for medical bills, property damage, ongoing medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Contact our office at 800-804-2004 to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney at our office.