When you imagine the future of self-driving cars and trucks, it’s easy to focus on the positives. However, although developers of autonomous vehicles strive to make them as safe as possible, these vehicles pose serious risks.
The sheer size difference between commercial trucks and cars makes the dangers of autonomous commercial trucks even greater than those of autonomous passenger vehicles. These are some of the primary safety concerns associated with self-driving trucks.
There’s Always a Risk of Software Malfunctions
Highly sophisticated software systems control autonomous trucks and other self-driving vehicles. However, even the best software can experience glitches. If a glitch happens when a cargo truck is going 80 miles per hour on the interstate, there’s a good chance it will lead to a truck accident.
Software systems are also vulnerable to cyberattacks. If a hacker were to gain control of one or more autonomous trucks, the results could be catastrophic.
They Can Be Unpredictable
Like human drivers, autonomous vehicles can (and do) make errors. These mistakes are often completely illogical from the human perspective, making them impossible to predict. For example, some autonomous vehicles have been known to engage in “phantom braking,” or stopping suddenly for no apparent reason.
Human drivers on a highway know how to watch for speeding drivers or those who weave in and out of lanes. But because most people wouldn’t slam on the brakes out of nowhere, an autonomous truck that stops abruptly may be more likely to cause an accident.
Sensors Aren’t Foolproof
Truly autonomous trucks are driverless, so they use a variety of sensors to perceive the road and the surrounding environment:
- Cameras
- Light detection and ranging (Lidar)
- Radio detection and ranging (Radar)
- GPS
- Inertial measurement units (IMUs)
These sensors are high-tech, but they have their limitations. Even something like heavy fog or mud can obscure a vehicle’s sensors and cause errors.
They Present Serious Ethical Concerns
Autonomous trucks are programmed to make decisions on the road. Many of these decisions are commonplace: the vehicle must decide when to accelerate, turn, or change lanes.
But what happens in a high-stakes scenario? If a pedestrian jumps in front of the truck, will it swerve into another lane and potentially strike a vehicle? Or will it strike the pedestrian?
Programmers must consider ethical dilemmas like these when creating software systems for autonomous vehicles. Because thousands of vehicles can use the same software, a handful of people (the programmers) may effectively be making ethical decisions that impact everyone else.
They Operate in a Legal Gray Area
Commercial truck regulations are in place to protect everyone on the road. However, self-driving vehicle technology has evolved so rapidly that legislation hasn’t been able to keep up.
Currently, there is no law establishing who is classified as the “driver” of an autonomous vehicle. This means that when an accident happens, determining liability is challenging — and an injured person may have to endure years of litigation before receiving any kind of compensation.
They May Need Human Intervention in an Emergency
If an ordinary truck experiences a brake failure or other mechanical emergency, its driver knows how to safely get it off the road. However, if an autonomous truck malfunctions and there’s no human driver to intervene, it could cause serious injury or death.
Are Autonomous Trucks Too Good to Be True?
One day, self-driving trucks may be commonplace on the road. As autonomous technology currently stands, there’s too much risk involved. While it’s wise to make sure you understand the potential dangers of this new technology, remember that you’re unlikely to encounter a fully autonomous truck anytime soon.
Contact the Jacksonville Truck Accident Lawyers at The Truck Accident Law Firm for Help Today
The promise of self-driving trucks may sound appealing, but the dangers are real. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you shouldn’t have to face big trucking companies and insurers alone.
At The Truck Accident Law Firm, we have the experience and resources to fight for your rights. We can investigate the cause of the accident, gather evidence, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Jacksonville truck accident attorney.
