- by Long Island Attorney Paul A. Lauto, Esq.
One of Uber's self-driving test cars struck and killed a female pedestrian yesterday in the suburbs of Phoenix, Arizona. At the time of the accident, the car was in autonomous mode with a human operator behind the wheel. Notwithstanding, the vehicle struck the woman causing grave injuries that resulted in the woman's death at a nearby hospital. As a result of the accident, Uber has suspended all self-driving vehicle testing.
Reportedly more than 75% of people fear self-driving cars, which are undeniably the cars of the future. But is that future now or is it being rushed prematurely in pursuit of the almighty dollar? Ostensibly, whoever is first to perfect the self-driving vehicle technology, stands to make an enormous amount of money. But that doesn't change the fact that this technology comes with inherent risks and problems, that may not be completely possible to overcome.
In particular, self-driving cars are substantially guided by road and vehicle sensor technology. Sensor technology does not necessarily encompass the ability to anticipate the human behavior of other drivers/pedestrians, as well as human drivers may be able to do so. In addition, sensors are subject to potentially malfunction in inclement weather, especially when dealing with snow covered roads.
Self-driving cars also appear to maintain a prime directive of self-preservation. This self-preservation directive is designed to keep the occupants of the self-driving car safe at virtually all costs. Further, the would be self-driving preservation directive technology does not appear to include the ability to take a calculated risk of self-injury, in lieu of what may likely be very serious injury to others. In other words, when faced with a time urgent choice a human driver may elect for example, to swerve and hit a fence rather than strike a pedestrian. But will a self-driving car do the same thing or merely brake as quickly as possible and stay the course?
Whatever was the cause of yesterday's self-driving accident fatality, it is particularly worrisome that it still happened even with a human operator in the driver's seat. Perhaps when it comes to the development of self-driving car technology, slow and steady will win the race. After all, even George Jetson's make believe world didn't occur until the year 2062.
Long Island Lawyer
Paul A. Lauto, Esq.
631-928-1430
www.liattorney.com
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