The Role of Human Error in Self-Driving Car Accidents

A common belief is that self-driving cars are fully autonomous. Many accident victims, though, discover the hard way that this is not entirely true. The current models of self-driving cars require varying degrees of human interaction to work properly.

Can a driver make a mistake while operating an autonomous vehicle? If so, how does this affect his or her liability for an accident? Whether your actions caused an accident or you were injured by the result of someone else’s, these are questions that need answering.

At Johnston Law Firm, our car accident attorneys are happy to share what we know. You can find the answers to common questions about self-driving car accidents below. For a free personalized case review, please call our law firm using the number on your screen or fill out our contact form. 

How Self-Driving Car Technology Works

Self-driving cars, or autonomous vehicles (AV), use advanced technology to operate without relying fully on humans like other cars. These cars use various sensors to understand their surroundings. 

Here are some key components used in self-driving cars:

• Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR): A type of radar that uses light to measure distances
• Global Positioning System (GPS): A satellite-based navigation system that helps the car know its location
• Cameras: Devices that capture images of the road and its visual surroundings from different points of view
• Artificial intelligence (AI): Machine learning software that helps the car learn and make decisions
• Ultrasonic sensors: Devices that use high-frequency sound waves to detect the position of objects, usually used in self-parking applications 

The data from these tools helps the car navigate roads, detect other vehicles, and avoid obstacles like pedestrians or safety cones. Self-driving cars use this data to control their speed, direction, and when to stop. They can follow traffic rules and adjust to different driving conditions.

Self-driving car systems aim to make quick and safe decisions. When these systems work well together, they could make travel safer for everyone. While this technology can do a lot, humans still play a role in the operation of self-driving cars. In the next section, we’ll explore how human error can still impact these vehicles and the importance of human oversight.

When Humans Should Interact With Autonomous Vehicles

Though self-driving cars handle many tasks, this does not mean human operators are completely unnecessary. Drivers must stay alert and be ready to act quickly if something goes wrong. Some autonomous vehicles require human drivers to take control in certain situations described below.

Bad weather

Are AVs ready for variable weather conditions, such as hail, high winds, heavy rain, or flooding? According to one 2020 study, humans tend to use “conventional wisdom and defensive driving” techniques to safeguard against the loss of control in adverse weather conditions.

These techniques include:

• Increasing following distance 
• Reducing speed
• Stopping by applying progressively firm pressure and avoid slamming on the brakes
• Steering in the direction you want to go while skidding

The same study states, “It remains to be seen if AVs will be able to sufficiently negotiate all of these challenges in all terrain and weather conditions.” Even researchers wonder if autonomous cars will be able to tell the difference between a roadway slick due to oils and one made slippery by standing water, which could lead to hydroplaning. 

Unexpected road conditions

The sensors of autonomous cars allow them to recognize common road obstacles like debris, fallen trees, and potholes. However, researchers agree that these sensors have limitations. Unusual or ambiguous obstructions might be harder for the devices to detect.

Construction zones

Changing traffic patterns, temporary signals, moving heavy equipment, and road workers could confuse an autonomous system. When one robocar drove into a construction site, it stopped before an open trench. Apparently, the vehicle needed human assistance to resolve the issue. 

Complex urban environments

Dense pedestrian traffic and cyclists are unpredictable at times. After all, people and bike riders have been known to unexpectedly cross in front of a car or ignore traffic rules. The issue might also be complicated if the pedestrians don’t realize that they are stepping in front of an unmanned vehicle that might not react in the same way as a human driver. 

Such events might challenge an AV system’s ability to make split-second decisions and maneuvers. 

Unmapped or poorly mapped areas

Self-driving systems often rely on highly detailed maps. In unmapped locations, the vehicle may struggle to navigate effectively.

Ambiguous road markings

Worn or unclear road markings could be mistaken or undetected by the vehicle’s perception systems. Missing or irregular sign placements could also create unsafe conditions. 

Emergency situations 

Things can change in an instant on the road. Suppose you are traveling at a high speed on the highway and a collision suddenly sends a car into your lane. An emergency vehicle approaches and the cars around you pull to each side to let it pass. Such rapidly evolving situations often require human decision-making. 

In the above scenarios, some cars are designed to issue a takeover request to the driver. Then, it is his or her responsibility to resume the driving task to deal with the challenge. When motorists fail their duties while using AVs, they can reduce the effectiveness of the car’s technology or contribute to accidents.

Some common human mistakes include:

• Overtrusting the vehicle’s abilities 
• Failing to pay attention (e.g., sleeping, becoming distracted) 
• Misunderstanding or ignoring the car’s warnings or signals
• Misjudging how or when to take control of the car

Humans must still stay aware of what is happening on the road. Proper training and understanding of how these vehicles work can reduce the likelihood of collisions. Does that mean accidents human operators are to blame for all self-driving accidents? 

Not at all, since the many factors, including those mentioned below, could drastically change where the fault lies:

• Reaction time: The automated system must give the driver a suitable warning and enough time to react
• Sensor failure: Malfunctioning AV sensors could fail to detect problems, send false signals, or neglect to send an alert
• Mechanical issues: Faulty brakes, locked automated steering systems, and engine failure are examples of issues that could be due to poor product design or manufacturing errors
• Others sharing the road: When motorists drive recklessly or act out of road rage, an accident might seem unavoidable regardless of who is behind the wheel of the involved vehicles

If an accident does happen, it’s important to know the steps to take. In the next section, you can learn how to proceed if you are involved in a self-driving car accident.

What to Do After a Self-Driving Car Accident

As autonomous technology evolves, determining who is at fault – the vehicle’s manufacturer, a software glitch, another driver, or someone else – can be complex. Protecting your rights and making informed decisions are essential.

After any car accident, you should seek medical attention and gather evidence. Yet, these basic steps are just the beginning. 

If you have been involved in an accident with a self-driving car, legal guidance can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve. To ensure that you are fully protected, why not speak with an experienced attorney who understands the unique challenges of these cases?

Schedule a free consultation with our qualified personal injury law firm today to learn how we can help you navigate the legal process. When you rely on the experience and resources of Johnston Law Firm, you can concentrate on what is most important – your recovery.