Rae Castillon on June 12, 2024 No Comments
Technology has been rapidly advancing in recent years, including within the motor vehicle industry. Autonomous cars, often referred to as self-driving cars, have become increasingly popular and sought after. Although these cars sound great in theory, there are bountiful repercussions and dangers that these vehicles pose. In this article, we will uncover the dangers associated with autonomous cars.
Inability To Detect Unexpected Obstacles
One of the biggest problems with autonomous cars is their inability to react and respond to unexpected obstacles in the road. Whether it be a pedestrian slow to cross the street or an animal jumping in front of your vehicle, autonomous cars are not programmed to detect the unexpected. Furthermore, these systems are limited to relatively unchanging conditions on the road, such as speed limits, stop signs, and lane markings.
Cybersecurity Risks
Another problematic feature of autonomous cars is the potential for computer hackers. This is especially something to be wary of given that these cars are dependent on computer technology to drive. If a cyber attacker hacks into the vehicle’s system controls and takes control of the car, the consequences could be catastrophic.
Fire Hazard
Another danger associated with autonomous cars is that there is a risk of fire. This is because if the lithium-ion batteries that autonomous cars are equipped with become overheated, this can cause them to explode and may lead to a fire. This fire can very easily and rapidly spread to other vehicles on the road as well. To make matters worse, lithium-ion batteries are not able to be put out with water and are difficult to put out with a fire extinguisher.
Inclement Weather
A final danger concerning autonomous cars is inclement weather. Driving in severe weather is incredibly dangerous for any vehicle, however, there is a heightened risk of danger for autonomous vehicles. Just as autonomous vehicles have difficulty detecting and reacting to unexpected obstacles in the road, they also have trouble with weather. This is because the vehicle’s sensors may be tainted by the weather, making it difficult for the vehicle’s system to detect road markings and signs. Additionally, since autonomous vehicles are not controlled by humans, they will not be able to react to events such as hydroplaning, which requires human intervention.
Car Accidents
Of course, one of the most imminent dangers caused by autonomous cars is the increased risk of car accidents. Accidents are greatly increased as a result of all of the aforementioned potential dangers. Whether it is an unexpected obstacle on the road or a cyber attacker interfering with your vehicle’s programming system, car accidents are perhaps the greatest and most common threat. If you wind up in a car accident with an autonomous vehicle, be sure to connect with a Kent car accident lawyer who can help guide you through the legal process and help ensure that your rights are protected.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line regarding autonomous cars is that they pose a great threat to all drivers on the road. Although they provide some benefits to their users, ultimately the detriments outweigh the benefits and people should think twice before purchasing one. Inevitably, human intervention is needed to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
