Drivers in Alabama can benefit from technological innovations in new vehicles. That includes driver-assisted technology. Still, with these advancements in their infancy, it is important to understand their limitations. Regulatory agencies are concerned about safety.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Congress are scrutinizing driver-assisted technologies. In addition, the non-profit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is weighing in. According to the IIHS report, to ensure the systems are used properly and there is the necessary focus on safety, drivers must be fully engaged when behind the wheel. Ironically, the rise in innovation and its reliability is giving drivers a false sense of security. IIHS says the systems should make sure drivers are attentive.
A fatal accident in a Tesla with autopilot was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). It found that the driver was using his phone for gaming when the collision took place. Level Two is the highest system currently legal. These are installed in newer model vehicles made by Cadillac and Tesla. They control its acceleration, braking systems and steering. Drivers are prone to seeing this as self-driving when it is not. Recommendations to auto manufacturers include cameras to track the driver, vehicle sensors that detect when the driver takes control of the vehicle, sensory additions to determine if the driver is paying attention and warnings for a lack of attention.
After car accidents, people can suffer from injuries and fatalities. For those who are seeking compensation for medical costs, lost wages, funeral expenses and more, understanding the cause of the collision can be key. A law firm experienced in car accidents can investigate the crash. This may determine if it was due to a lack of attention in autonomous vehicles and help in moving forward with a case.