Connecticut may be on the other side of the country from California but that does not mean that area residents are not avidly watching the development of autonomous vehicles. This technology is promised by many to not only reduce but maybe someday eliminate vehicle accidents. Across the country there are numerous vehicles now with some self-driving features already included. Things like automatic braking and self-parking are just two examples.
Unfortunately it seems that autonomous cars have yet to be proven to be failsafe. Just a few weeks ago, a man operating a Tesla vehicle was killed when the vehicle drove into a concrete barrier on a California freeway. Many details remain unknown but it has been reported that the sport utility vehicle was in autopilot mode and the driver had received multiple warnings to put his hands on the steering wheel. However, it appears his hands never touched the wheel in the seconds leading up to the accident.
Even in the wake of the man’s death, the company continues to tout the advantages and safety of autonomous vehicles. One might only assume that the man’s widow and two young children might have different thoughts on the matter as they are left to grieve the loss of their husband and father.
People who are involved in accidents in which a fully autonomous vehicle or a vehicle with autonomous features was a part might want to discuss their compensation options with a lawyer.
Source: NBC Connecticut, “Tesla Reveals Crashed Vehicle Was on Autopilot,” Tom Krishner and Diana San Juan, March 31, 2018