Self-driving cars were a thing of science fiction until several years ago. The idea of self-driving cars is that users would be able to get to their destination without having to take control of their vehicle. A user would be able to input their destination and their vehicle would make turns, change lanes and stop for pedestrians automatically. This would, in theory, make roads safer and allow drivers to focus on other things instead of driving. Today, many people are being sold on self-driving electric cars.
Unfortunately, the technology for fully autonomous vehicles is still far from reality. Yet, many people are suffering from accidents because others are relying too heavily on the technology in their cars. Here’s what you should know:
Adaptive controls do not mean a vehicle is self-driving
A lot of new types of cars are promoted to consumers as self-driving. However, these vehicles, at most, have adaptive controls. Adaptive cruise control allows drivers to set and keep their vehicle’s speed, which can save users on gas. This control may also adjust its speed to the speed limit or maintain distance between the leading vehicle. Lane-keeping systems help keep vehicles within street lines. The vehicle may also shift when a lane begins to curve. A vehicle may also automatically and safely change lanes when a user flips on their turn signal.
These adaptive controls are not very new, but they may be more advanced than other vehicles. This can make these vehicles safer than others. But, that doesn’t mean users don’t have to control their vehicles. Current iterations of self-driving cars are only semi-automated, which means users still need to have their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, ready to take action if necessary. Yet, many people are using these cars as if they are self-driving, which has led to these vehicles ignoring obstacles and pedestrians on the road.
It may be a long time before people see truly self-driving cars. Until then, people may need to understand how they can receive compensation for their injuries caused by a car accident.