In the past, the idea of a self-driving vehicle was purely the stuff of science fiction. However, thanks to technological advancements in the automotive industry, driverless cars on our roads and highways could soon become a reality.
In his introduction to Transport Canada’s guidelines for AV testing, the Minister of Transport shares an optimistic view of the potential improvements autonomous vehicles can make to our country’s transit infrastructure. In addition to offering environmental benefits and increased transportation options, the production of driverless vehicles can create new economic opportunities and new opportunities for connection.
However, before Canadians decide to put their travel plans – and their lives – on the line by fully adopting driverless transportation technologies, there is one question on everyone’s mind: Are self-driving cars safe?
Powered by a combination of AI technologies, cameras, sensors, and radar, automated vehicles (AVs) are currently being tested throughout Ontario and, indeed, the world. Across the globe, approximately 1.3 million people are killed in motor vehicle collisions each year. Given the fact that the overwhelming majority of fatal traffic accidents are the result of human error, the widespread adoption of AVs should – in theory – save countless lives.
But public confidence in these new, potentially revolutionary modes of transportation is crucial for the industry’s success. That is why the government of Ontario began a ten-year Automated Vehicle Pilot Program for the highly controlled testing of AVs on roads throughout the province in 2016.
Despite a common misconception, it is not currently possible to buy a self-driving car anywhere in Canada. But as driver-assist technology becomes more widely available in newer models of passenger vehicles, it appears as though it may only be a matter of time before fully-autonomous cars can begin transporting us from our homes to our destinations with only the touch of a screen.
Before that happens, though, there are major considerations to take into account. Provincial legislation regarding automotive insurance has not yet been updated to include regulations about vehicles that rely on driverless technologies. And when it comes to questions of liability, there is still no definitive legal precedent as to which party would be considered at-fault for a collision involving a fully-autonomous passenger vehicle.
When preparing for a future propelled by driverless cars, what recommendations should insurers be considering today? And, now that cars equipped with some driver assist technologies are sharing our roads, what happens if you are involved in a collision with one?
The Shift in Liability: Self-Driving Cars and Accident Claims
With the emergence of self-driving cars, a pivotal transformation is underway in the automotive insurance landscape. Traditionally, human error has been the primary factor behind most motor vehicle injury. However, as automation takes the reins, accountability is increasingly shifting from driver negligence to potential manufacturer oversights.
In a collision caused by a malfunction in an autonomous vehicle, the onus for fault is likely to fall on the manufacturer. This implies that individuals seeking compensation for their injuries may need to pursue product liability claims.
Yet, navigating product liability litigation can be more intricate and time-consuming than standard motor vehicle accident claims. Absent fundamental shifts in insurance legislation, it could take years for accident survivors to receive the rightful compensation they deserve.
In response to these concerns, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has presented a comprehensive report on auto insurance for automated vehicles. This report outlines detailed recommendations for a future insurance framework for autonomous cars, consisting of two key elements:
Unified Insurance Coverage: This policy would encompass driver negligence and automated technology. Injured parties would receive compensation from the autonomous vehicle’s insurer, regardless of whether the human operator or automation was in control during the incident.
Data Collaboration: Establishing a data-sharing arrangement among vehicle manufacturers, owners, and insurers would play a crucial role in determining the cause of a collision. It would clarify whether the vehicle operated in manual or automated mode during the incident.
These recommendations are anticipatory since fully autonomous vehicles are not yet in widespread public use. They illuminate the significant legislative revisions essential in addressing future self-driving car concerns.
In the interim, as vehicles with varying degrees of automation become more prevalent on our roads, que
ONTARIO CAR ACCIDENT CLAIMS IN THE FUTURE
The widespread adoption and availability of AVs is still many years away. Now is the time to plan for the future eventualities, examine our current insurance laws, and re-imagine the way we think about motor vehicle collisions in a world that relies on driverless technologies.
While we are unable to predict what the future has in store with complete accuracy, our motor vehicle accident injury lawyer are here to provide assistance to injured survivors of motor vehicle collisions in the present. To learn how our team of car accident lawyers serving Ontario may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve after being injured by another driver, contact us today and schedule a free initial consultation.