06 Jun, 2023/ by National Accident Helpline /News
Are self-driving cars legal in the UK?
Self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles, are not yet legal in the UK but it looks likely that self-driving cars will be the norm in the future. Currently, self-driving vehicles are being tested for their safety and suitability for the roads. However, there are already vehicles on the roads which have autonomous driving features.
Are there any special laws for self-driving vehicles?
There are hardly any laws regulating self-driving vehicles currently in the UK. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US has given six levels of autonomy to technology that drivers use to help them drive vehicles.
What are the dangers of self-driving vehicles?
Even though 95% of deaths in driving accidents are due to human error, self-driving vehicles do also pose a threat. There are many dangers of self-driving vehicles which have led to the deaths of pedestrians. Dangers include:
- the autopilot system activates when it should not, or fails when it should activate
- crashing into lane dividers or street signs
- the risk of fire, as autonomous cars use lithium-ion batteries
- crashing into crossing pedestrians as self-driving cars are not ready to stop for them
Self-driving cars are said to potentially carry the risk of radiation exposure due to the technologies they use. Radiation dangers include the risk of:
- migraines
- high blood pressure
- difficulty breathing
- sleeplessness
Incorrect use of autonomous driving
Incorrectly using autonomous driving technology is a potential danger for self-driving cars. Currently, driving a car in the UK takes lots of practice and requires passing a test. But there is no current standard for using a self-driving car's computer system.
Paying less attention behind the wheel
The fact that self-driving vehicles are termed self-driving can give drivers a false sense of security.
A person behind the wheel in a self-driving vehicle will need to take over if the vehicle looks like it will have an accident. However, as the person is not driving they may pay less attention. This happened in the US during the self-testing of these types of vehicles. Those in self-driving cars are also less likely to make eye contact with other drivers.
Also, if while the self-driving vehicle is moving, safety warnings displays turn on, drivers may not be paying enough attention to act on these. These could also distract the driver.
Software errors or technology failures
A potential danger of self-driving cars is that the technology will fail through, for example, a technical glitch or a software error. For example, accidental activation of the autopilot system.
Where vehicles currently have active driving assistance systems, every eight miles on average an issue occurs concerning this.
Forgetting basic driving skills
A further danger of self-driving cars is that they may cause drivers to forget their basic driving skills. This could cause, for example, the driver in the autonomous car to have a slower reaction time.
Hacking
The risk of hacking into the network connections that manoeuvre self-driving vehicles is a potential danger of self-driving cars. Hackers could:
- prevent necessary communication from occurring which results in road traffic accidents.
- take control of the car which means they can control car braking and steering
- steal personal information about the owner
- trace destinations
- creating purposeful traffic congestion
- use the car as a weapon to chase cars or as an explosive
Back in 2019 an autonomous car was hacked and it took the hackers just a few minutes to do this.
Lack of self-driving regulations
As there is currently a lack of regulation for self-driving vehicles it potentially means that when they do go on the road they have little restrictions around what they can do. This in itself creates a potential danger for self-driving cars.
What type of road traffic accidents could occur?
There are a variety of types of traffic accidents which could occur through the use of self-driving cars. These include:
- accidents involving pedestrians
- crashing into street signs
- colliding into other vehicles
Who is at fault if I'm in an accident involving a self-driving vehicle?
If an accident happens caused by a self-driving vehicle, it is not the passengers who are at fault but the insurers who are liable. However, as there is no clarity about who is legally responsible, back in January 2022 the Law Commission compiled a report to look at the issues and presented 75 recommendations. They suggested the vehicle manufacturer should be responsible.
Can I claim it if I'm injured in a road traffic accident involving an autonomous vehicle?
If you have been injured in a road traffic accident involving an autonomous vehicle and the accident was not your fault, you can make a road traffic accident claim. If you are injured by a vehicle it is often incredibly serious and can be life-changing so you must claim the compensation you deserve. Applying for compensation can ease the difficulties that are the result of the accident and make your life a little bit easier.
At National Accident Helpline, we can help you with your accident claim for your accident involving an autonomous vehicle today - Call or simply request a call back here. If you prefer, you can begin your claim online.
How can making an accident claim help my recovery?
When you make a compensation claim, for an injury or accident such as one with an autonomous vehicle, it can help you with your recovery. A road traffic accident claim can aid you in getting back to health by:
- rewarding you financially reward which can help you with any changes you have had to make or still need to as a result of your accident;
- letting you feel some justice has come out of the road traffic accident as the person or organisation has had to make amends for their mistakes
- provide some positivity in your life after what has been a very upsetting and painful time due to the accident
How do I make a no-win no-fee accident claim?
AtNational Accident Helpline, we fully understand how a road traffic accident can have catastrophic effects on your life. We, therefore, appreciate that where the accident was not your fault you must get the compensation you deserve. This is why we want to ensure that making your compensation claim is as easy as possible by offering an accident claim on a no-win no fee basis.
A no-win no-fee compensation claim means that you take no risk when you make your road traffic accident claim concerning self-driving cars, where you may not be totally sure whether the accident was not your fault. With a no-win no-fee claim, you pay nothing to make the claim, so take no risk if you lose.
National Accident Helpline, offer a stress-free and easy claim process. We respect that your life has been difficult and trying due to your accident with an autonomous vehicle so have no intention of making it any harder. Instead, our calm and attentive advisors will listen to what happened and then pass you on to a specialist solicitor to complete your compensation claim. We also help you by providing a facility to let you calculate your potential compensation online by using our compensation calculator to give you an idea of how much you will get.
Let National Accident Helpline help you with your car accident claim. Call or you can request a call back here. Alternatively, if it is easier, begin your claim here online.
Last updated 06.06.23