Tag: car crash

37, 461 people were killed in crashes on U.S. roads in 2016. Because most crashes are caused by human error, many see driverless vehicles as a solution to reduce crashes. Automakers and others are rushing to market with vehicles that have autonomous driving capability. Are they doing enough to ensure driverless vehicles are safe? Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen is an injury law firm that focuses on protecting the victims of car accidents and truck crashes. As such, we are hopeful that when properly tested and regulated, driverless vehicles will help to reduce injuries and fatalities as the result of auto accidents. The key is adequate testing and regulation to ensure safety.

Harvard Business Review published a research and computer model conducted by Accenture and the Stevens Institute of Technology. The study indicated that “as many as 23 million fully autonomous vehicles will be traveling U.S. highways by 2035.” Both Tesla and GM introduced new vehicles with self-drive capabilities recently. Tesla rolled out a fully electric semi truck with autopilot drive capabilities. The semi can apparently go 500 miles between charges while hauling 80,000 pounds. It’s equipped with automated braking, lane keeping, and lane departure warnings. General Motors also just unveiled its new driverless cars. It seems like a race to see which automakers can bring driverless vehicles to the market first. In addition to automakers, Google, Apple and Uber are testing driverless technology as well.

Google’s driverless vehicle safety report

Google recently submitted the first-ever safety report to regulators regarding Waymo, its self-driving car company. The company has done extensive research and testing and hopes to better educate the public regarding driverless vehicle technology. Statistics quoted to support the introduction of this technology, include: 94% of crashes in the U.S. involve human error and $594 billion in harm from loss of life and injury each year. Waymo’s self-driving system is designed to operate without any human driver. When the hardware and software is implemented, it will perform all driving function.

The report includes an overview of the pre-built maps, sensors and software that surround this technology. The safety process began with identifying potential hazardous scenarios and what could be done to reduce risk.

Google addressed five areas of safety for driverless vehicles:

  1. Behavior Safety – how are driving decision made.
  2. Functional Safety – vehicles must operate safely at all times, even if there is a system fault or failure.
  3. Crash Safety – vehicles must protect the passengers inside in the event of a car crash. These vehicles must meet safety standards.
  4. Operational Safety – consumers must have a safe experience inside a driverless vehicle.
  5. Non-Collision Safety – Physical safety for the range of people who may interact with the vehicle.

Are driverless vehicles safe?

While Google’s report was an overview of everything they are doing to ensure safety, the question remains, are these autonomous vehicles safe? AAA released a study on public perception of driverless vehicles earlier this year. AAA found that although majority of U.S. drivers seek autonomous technology in their next vehicle, they continue to fear the fully self-driving car. Most noteworthy, three quarters of U.S. drivers reported feeling afraid to drive in a self driving car and only 10 percent said they’d feel safer sharing the road with driverless cars. This public feeling about driverless vehicle technology and safety will be a major hurdle to overcome in the widespread introduction of these cars and trucks.

Personal injury safety concerns of driverless vehicles

  • First of all, an education of the driver would be required. Although the vehicle is driving itself once the computer takes over, a driver must still be educated in safe operation.
  • Because driverless vehicles would be coming from many different companies, they must somehow be connected to work together and share the road together for optimum safety. This will not be an easy task.
  • A self-driving vehicle does not guarantee safety. In the event of a car accident, who would be liable? This needs to be addressed.
  • How will self driving cars and trucks operate in various weather conditions? Would snow and rain affect the sensors and impact vehicle safety.
  • Furthermore, how will road hazards impact driving? If a roadblock or construction zone goes up suddenly. If dangers exist on a road such as potholes, debris or other dangers.
  • The danger of other outside influences. What happens if there is a power outage and a stop light is not working properly?
  • The threat of the vehicle computer being hacked. This can pose a real danger to those inside the vehicle and also around it.

Autonomous vehicles are on the way to a road near you and the car accident lawyers at Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen hope that safety is a top priority as these vehicles are introduced. In conclusion, public safety must be a primary focus of federal legislators as they introduce laws regarding driverless cars and driverless trucks.

Each year as school ends for the summer, we hear tragic stories of teen lives cut short by car crashes. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens according to the CDC. In fact, they were the leading cause of death for every age 16 through 24 in 2014. Two startling facts from the NHTSA Teen Crash Statistics 2014 are: 1,727 drivers ages 15 to 20 died in motor vehicle crashes and 170,000 young drivers were injured in motor vehicle crashes.

100 Deadliest Days for Car Crashes Teen Drivers

According to a study by the AAA Foundation, over the past five years, more than 5,000 people have died in car crashes involving teen drivers during the 100 day summer driving period between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This is a period of time when more teens are on the road. The study found that distracted driving is a major cause of teen car crashes, accounting for nearly 60 percent of the teen crashes. Top causes of driving distractions for teens include interacting with one or more passengers, talking, texting or operating a cell phone, and looking at something inside of the vehicle. Nearly 50 percent of those teens surveyed by AAA admitted to reading a text message or emailing while driving. A study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute reported that texting while driving increases a risk of crash by 23 times.


Six Teen Car Crash Prevention Tipscar crash

The car accident attorneys at Distasio & Kowalski in Wilkes-Barre, Pa encourage you to talk to your teen about safe driving habits and high-risk behaviors. Be a good role model for your teen and you may be able to help prevent a tragic accident.

  1. Limit the amount of passengers in your teen’s vehicle. The more passengers, the higher the risk for a car crash.
  2. Stay free from distractions. Set rules for your teen regarding distractions while driving – including no cell phone or electronic device use. Encourage them to pull over into a safe spot if they need to make a call or text someone.
  3. Tell your teen the importance of following all of the rules of the road. This includes all posted speed limit signs, safe passing, keeping a safe distance behind the vehicle in front, etc.
  4. Be sure your teen understands the importance of seat belt use for both a driver and all passengers. Seat belts can help save lives.
  5. Limit night driving. Be sure to practice nighttime driving with your teen, it’s sometimes tricky even for experienced drivers.
  6. Prohibit all alcohol and drug use. Also be sure your teen knows never to get into a vehicle as a passenger with a driver who is under the influence. Let them know if they need a ride, they can call you.

The car crash attorneys at Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen have represented the victims of motor vehicle accidents throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Because we’ve seen the horrific results of teen crashes, we want to be sure that all teens understand the danger of distracted driving, in addition to other risky driving behaviors. We are highly experienced in all types of auto accident cases. If you need a car accident lawyer, call Distasio, Kowalski & Yelen in Wilkes-Barre today for a free consultation. Call 570-970-5400.