Driverless Cars .. let me pose a Devil's Advocate question

Heres a Devil's Advocate question.

With the increase in the 'no hands' parking assistance vehicles now available and (next year) driver-less cars being allowed on Uk roads, how does the driving law equate with the driver not being in full control of the vehicle at all times?
With the self parking, what if the software fails and the driver cant stop the car in time to avoid a slow speed collision?

And with the driverless cars, does it mean that you can drive to a pub, get plastered, sit in the driver's seat and let it get you home?!

Will the Road Traffic Act ( and for that matter, Insurance Law) need to be re-examined?

Asked on 16 March 2016 by greysynchro

Answered by Honest John

The driver is still deemed to be "in charge" of the motor vehicle. Honda went into the issue of liability when it introduced lane-following self steering for the Legend about 10 years ago and the lawyers advised Honda not to allow 'self steering' for more than 15 seconds with the driver's hands off the wheel. That's why even with self steering cars drivers have to have their hands on the wheel. Self-parking is different, but takes less than the 15 seconds. Whether the UK needs a new Road Traffic Act depends on whether the UK remains in the EC.

Tags: driving driverless cars

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