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As technology has proliferated faster than the legal system can adapt, self-driving cars have quickly become an ongoing topic of discussion. While this new tech may provide important advancements for road safety, it also raises several complex legal issues – one being how these vehicles may impact DUI laws.
Recent events involving an Uber test vehicle and pedestrian have reignited this issue. A pedestrian was fatally struck and killed while crossing a street in Tempe, Arizona; although clearly due to her negligence alone, this collision also illustrates how self-driving cars may not always be 100% reliable.
As technology develops, it could eventually eliminate human drivers altogether, which would be an enormous leap for public safety. But this raises serious concerns over fault allocation following crashes – not to mention cyber criminals’ ability to easily attack autonomous cars and make them crash into anything on the road.
At present, most states still require drivers to remain in full control of their vehicles regardless of which level of automation has been enabled. Tesla’s Autopilot, for instance, is considered a Level 2 autonomous system as it requires the driver to keep both hands on the wheel at all times in case something needs taking over from them. Driving with one’s hands off of the wheel in Georgia is considered a misdemeanor offense which may result in jail time, fines, community service hours or license suspension.
As technology evolves, DUI laws will likely remain a focal point for legal debate. While some states have revised their DUI statutes to incorporate language about fully automated vehicles into their statutes, others may wait and observe its development first before making changes.
Prosecutors will continue to charge drivers who operate autonomous vehicles while under the influence of alcohol with driving under the influence. No matter whether the car is driver assisted or fully autonomous mode, as long as any part of their control lies with them they will be held legally responsible for any negative outcomes from its operation.
If you’ve been arrested in Alpharetta while operating a self-driving car and charged with DUI, it is vital to get in contact with a knowledgeable lawyer immediately. A conviction will have a profound effect on your life and it is crucial that your rights are upheld from the beginning of your case. Shah Law Firm offers experienced Alpharetta DUI lawyers to help guide through this challenging time and secure your future – call now for a free consultation!
