Submitted by Aiken Jacobsen on
The California Department of Motor Vehicles recently held a hearing in Sacramento to kick off the process of creating regulations to govern driverless cars, also known as autonomous vehicles. Even though the technology is not yet completely developed, it is estimated that these vehicles will be available for mass public sale by the end of this decade. According to a law passed in 2012, the California DMV is required to adopt regulations governing all aspects of the sale, distribution, and use of these cars by the public. A lot of focus will be placed on testing to make sure that the cars are safe and reliable.
It has been argued that autonomous vehicles may be beneficial in reducing auto accidents, especially those caused by distracted drivers. There has also been a lot of speculation that when there are auto accidents involving these vehicles, electronic records that are automatically kept by these cars will aid significantly in accident investigation. The concern that goes hand-in-hand with that supposed benefit, however, is keeping the cars from becoming just another way for government and companies to keep track of our movements. Privacy is a major concern.
Both federal regulators and lawmakers from other states are keeping close watch on the proceedings in Sacramento. California will be the first government to put these types of regulations in place, and it is expected that other administrative agencies, both state and federal, will closely follow California’s lead in this regard.
It may prove beneficial for other states to adopt similar regulations to those adopted in California because it would ease transitions for vehicle owners and manufacturers between states. It will be interesting to see how these advancements affect the laws and penalties for passengers, drivers and owners of the automobiles of the future. As laws change with technology, it can be important for California residents and specifically car accident victims to ensure they understand their rights and remain up-to-date on legal issues that may affect them.
Source: USA Today, “California pushes to finish driverless car rules,” March 13, 2014
