Driverless Trucking & Its Impact on Car Accidents

Self-driving trucks operate somewhat similarly to self-driving cars. A variety of sensors, like cameras, lidars, and radars, send data to computers onboard the vehicle. These computers control the car using a combination of simulation, training, and programming. Large trucks may be better self-driving vehicles because their large size allows for the mounting of sensors higher off the ground, giving it an improved field of view.

Trucks need to be able to see and sense conditions much further in advance. That is because they need additional time to stop to avoid serious accidents. Cameras must look at least 1,000 meters ahead at all times to scan for traffic, as well as hazards on the road.

Because 95 percent of commercial truck routes involve driving on interstate and freeways, their autonomous systems are a bit easier. Self-driving cars must account for urban settings and be able to stop suddenly for pedestrians or distracted drivers that run red lights. Commercial driving vehicles on the open highway often do not need to account for such unexpected events.

How will these self-driving truck routes work?
In the future, self-driving trucks will drive from hub to hub with goods. Once they arrive at their hub, these trucks will park and wait for a human truck driver to take them to their final destination locally.

Unfortunately, slow-moving federal government rules and regulations have not generated meaningful outcomes for automated trucks. Also, many states are creating laws regarding the use of self-driving trucks in their communities. These laws and regulations could significantly impact the future of self-driving trucks — or at least slow down their progress. Independent trucking companies must register their technology in multiple states and comply with the various rules of each county and municipality.

Due to their nature, self-driving trucks can be dangerous. “Drivers” of self-driving trucks need to remain alert and focused on the road at all times. That way, when a hazardous condition arises, they can take the wheel and maneuver the truck safely. Unfortunately, as the truck drives smoothly on the open road, many drivers get bored and look for other ways to keep themselves entertained. Using cellphones, napping, or even watching movies may be ways that truck drivers keep themselves engaged while the truck drives. When an emergency occurs, they are then unable to steer the truck out of harm’s way.

Another risk of self-driving trucks is that their software may be a prime target for hackers or domestic terrorists. If the software system is hacked, the hackers can take control of the truck or even cause accidents themselves.

When a self-driving truck gets into an accident with another vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist, multiple parties can share the blame.

• Truck driver. As in most truck accidents, the truck driver may be to blame, especially if they were supposed to navigate the vehicle around hazardous conditions. If they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, distracted, or fatigued at the time of the crash, they might be held accountable.
• Trucking company. The self-driving trucking company or truck owner may also be to blame. If they failed to perform necessary maintenance or if their software failed, they can be held accountable for the accidents their trucks caused.
• Shipping company. In some cases, the shipping company may be to blame if they improperly loaded the cargo or failed to secure the freight properly.
• Manufacturers. Defective trucking parts or software can make the trucking manufacturer or part manufacturer liable for the accident. Product defects are taken seriously because they can jeopardize consumers everywhere.

Self-driving trucks are new, and the chain of liability is not always clear after an accident. These accidents need to be investigated thoroughly to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.

Self-driving truck accidents are rare — for now. But as the technology grows, so will the number of accidents. At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, our truck accident attorneys stay abreast of all local and state trucking laws and regulations. We realize that the trucking industry is changing and that new technology will further this change.