One year ago, an Uber self-driving SUV that was testing the program in Arizona struck and killed a pedestrian as she was crossing the road. As a result of the death, Uber stopped testing on public roads for nine months and cut its self-driving car program back. It currently only uses one part of a neighborhood in Pittsburg to experiment with self-driving cars.
Several companies are continuing their self-driving vehicle programs despite some obstacles. However, surveys have shown that the American public may not be ready for self-driving cars – 71 percent of Americans have reported they are afraid to ride in a self-driving vehicle. Federal officials have invited companies engaging in the self-driving industry to submit detailed safety assessments. Thus far, 13 companies have done so.
Many experts believe that self-driving technology will take much longer to become standard that many people believed. It can take a significant amount of time to develop safety and security systems. It appears that although it may take longer than many people thought, self-driving vehicles will eventually become a reality.
It will likely take the law some time to catch up with the reality of self-driving vehicles. If you have any questions about legal liability and self-driving vehicles in Los Angeles, or if you have been harmed by a self-driving vehicle, call me, Conal Doyle, Los Angeles personal injury attorney, at 310-385-0567. I can help. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation on your case.