Kentucky motorists may be waiting much longer than had been predicted for the enhanced safety and convenience of automated vehicles. Cars that drive themselves have been hailed as a potentially powerful tool for everything from reducing the risk of car accidents to saving time on daily work commutes, and analysts have predicted driverless vehicles on the road as early as 2019 and comprising half the auto market by 2032. There are, however, quite a few problems to overcome prior to the realization of benefits.
Investments from some of the largest companies in the world have poured into research and development of automated cars. Though potential profits play the primary role here, the companies are relying on the attraction of a key benefit to spur consumer demand. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that human error causes 94 percent of fatal car accidents, and an average of close to 100 people die each day on roadways across the country.
Despite the theoretical safety improvements and demand, several roadblocks stand in the way. A major one is the determination of personal injury liability in car accidents that are still bound to happen. Another obstacle is political opposition from those who make a living off of their driving skills.
For the time being, drivers must contend with the fact that they share the roads with other humans. Motorists often come into contact with others who are texting and driving, drinking behind the wheel or otherwise being negligent. The habits of defensive driving can help reduce the risk of car accidents, but there are no guarantees. People who have been injured by a negligent driver might want to turn to an attorney for assistance in seeking full compensation for their losses.