Self-driving automobiles may seem like a futuristic fantasy, but they are already here. In fact, there is currently a U.S. Senate bill to address self-driving vehicles. The bill – The American Vision for Safer Transportation through Advancement of Revolutionary Technologies Act – was recently amended. Lobbyists from companies that are developing self-driving technology wanted to limit federal restrictions on road-testing self-driving vehicles.
Consumer and safety advocacy groups were able to reduce the number of vehicles on the road from 50,000 the first year to just 15,000. However, that number would increase to 40,000 the second year, and 80,000 the third year. Additionally, recently approved amendments would require the Federal Department of Transportation to review the results of safety tests before vehicles could be offered for sale.
Although advocates were not successful in getting all the changes they had hoped for, they believe the bill is now better than it was. The bill is especially important in the Pittsburgh area because Uber, Delphi, and Argo AI are testing self-driving vehicles here.
It is believed that one day in the future driverless cars will have a meaningful impact on highway safety, reducing the number of deaths and injuries caused by car accidents. The primary goal of safety advocates was to encourage the safe development and introduction of driverless cars.
Other changes to the bill include:
- Safety evaluation reports submitted to the government must be made available to the public
- Consumer information on capabilities and limitations of vehicles must be made available to consumers when vehicles are sold
- Cybersecurity safeguards must be installed on all vehicles to prevent hackers from controlling instruments, including steering and brakes
- An alert system must be installed so that children cannot be left in vehicles accidentally
On average – throughout 2016 in Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation – 355 reportable traffic crashes occurred, or about 15 crashes every hour. In those crashes, three people were fatally injured each day, for about one fatality every seven hours. And each day, 277 people were injured, which averages out to nine injuries every hour.
If you have been injured in an automobile, truck, or motorcycle accident, you may face a long road to recovery. You may lose time from work, and you will likely have medical bills, pain and suffering – and perhaps ongoing therapy – to consider. A Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer can help.
Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyers at AlpernSchubert P.C. Help Accident Victims Recover Compensation
A Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer at AlpernSchubert P.C. will work tirelessly to recover the compensation you deserve after being injured in a car accident. Schedule a free consultation by calling 412-765-1888 or toll-free at 800-243-6095. You can also contact us online.
We offer free case evaluations and proudly serve clients throughout the area, including those in Pittsburgh, Washington, and New Castle, Pennsylvania, as well as those in Allegheny County, Washington County, and Lawrence County.