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Humans are still the greatest threat to roadway safety

On Behalf of | Sep 22, 2018 | Car Accidents |

Self-driving cars have sparked both interest and fear among people in Georgia who wonder how the technology will change the driving experience and affect roadside safety. However, even as the technology advances, humans continue to be the greatest threat to life and health on the roads today. In one study of accidents or other incidents involving vehicles with autonomous technology, humans were responsible for 37 of the 38 incidents when the cars were in fully autonomous mode.

In an additional 24 incidents when self-driving vehicles were stopped, the technology was also not responsible for the crashes. However, the greatest disparity was reflected when the cars were in a conventional mode that allows for human involvement. Six of the 19 incidents in this mode were attributed to autonomous vehicle technology. Interestingly, in three of the car accidents reported, humans physically attacked or climbed on the self-driving vehicles.

While the development of autonomous technology is a major priority for innovators in the tech industries, it continues to spark concern among many Americans. People may not feel comfortable trusting a computerized system to make decisions about how and where they drive. Despite the anxieties around automated driving, however, it seems clear that human error is the leading contributor to dangerous crashes on the road. Technology has been a factor, though — mobile phones have increased the threat of distracted driving, a major cause of serious crashes.

It may be too soon to know what the autonomous future truly holds. However, human drivers all too frequently cause severe collisions. Someone who has been injured in a crash due to another’s dangerous or negligent behavior can work with a personal injury lawyer. An attorney can help them to seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages and other expenses.

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