Blog

Autonomous vehicles are no longer just a futuristic concept, but a reality that is gradually becoming more common on roads around the world. While the technology has the potential to revolutionize transportation, there have been concerns about the safety of self-driving cars. In this blog, we will explore the accident statistics of autonomous vehicles in the United States and Canada.

According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 36 autonomous vehicle crashes reported in the United States in 2019. Of those, 22 involved only property damage, 13 involved injuries, and one involved a fatality [1].

In Canada, there have been fewer reported accidents involving autonomous vehicles. According to a report from the Canadian Automated Vehicles Centre of Excellence (CAVCOE), there were four autonomous vehicle collisions reported in the country between 2017 and 2019 [2]. All of these accidents involved only property damage, and there were no reported injuries or fatalities.

It is important to note that these statistics do not necessarily reflect the overall safety of autonomous vehicles, as they are still relatively new and there are not yet enough data to draw definitive conclusions. However, they do provide some insight into the current state of autonomous vehicle safety.

One of the main concerns with autonomous vehicles is the potential for software and hardware malfunctions that could lead to accidents. To address this, manufacturers are implementing rigorous testing and safety protocols to ensure the reliability and safety of autonomous vehicles.

Another concern is the ability of autonomous vehicles to make ethical decisions in complex situations. For example, in a situation where an autonomous vehicle is faced with the choice of hitting a pedestrian or swerving into another lane and potentially causing a collision, what decision will it make? This is a complex ethical dilemma that has yet to be fully addressed.

In conclusion, while there have been some reported accidents involving autonomous vehicles in the United States and Canada, the overall safety of this technology is still being evaluated. As manufacturers continue to improve and refine their autonomous vehicle technology, it is important to closely monitor their safety record and ensure that appropriate regulations and safety standards are in place to protect the public.

Why LISKE?

LISKE is an established leader in the field of accident and injury reconstruction with over thirty years of customer trust. We are dedicated to providing a principled and unparalleled customer experience and continue to strive for excellence, acting with integrity, thoroughness, and accountability. The high-level approach we take to each assignment ensures that no element of causation is overlooked, and no stone is left unturned. Our multi-disciplined team of scientists, engineers, and ACTAR-accredited reconstruction experts prepare a comprehensive, objective, science-based analysis of each accident, powered by next-generation technology. A LISKE accident and injury reconstruction provides a foundational pillar you can count on, whether as a building block to causation, or in the rebuttal to an unacceptable, misinformed, and overreached opposition conclusion. Plan your litigation strategy and achieve the best resolution for your client with LISKE Accident and Injury Experts.

References:

[1] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

[2] Canadian Automated Vehicles Centre of Excellence.