There have been numerous car accidents in Indiana and other U.S. states where a motorist was relying on driver-assist technology yet still caused a crash. This is part of a growing trend where drivers think that these assistive technologies are actually able to drive the car for them and completely take their focus off of the road. This has drawn the attention of Congress and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
According to the IIHS, many of these driver-assist technologies are actually counterproductive because they encourage inattentive driving. Some only stop working when the driver takes their hands off the steering wheel, remaining in operation under all circumstances. The end result is that drivers abdicate their responsibility behind the wheel, believing that the car can do it for them.
The IIHS is calling for a change in the way that these systems are designed to make drivers pay attention. Currently, only one system by Cadillac even screens the road to ensure that the use of driver-assist technology is suitable. The IIHS wants systems to actively remind drivers that they need to focus and remain the active participant in driving. Instead, many of these current systems discourage driver involvement in the process, even when the car is changing lanes. This leads to many drivers simply letting the car do it for them, something for which these vehicles are not designed.
When there is an accident under these circumstances, it is the driver who is responsible because they took their eyes off the road and were possibly negligent behind the wheel. Anyone who has been injured in a motor vehicle accident where the other driver was not fully attentive may consult with a personal injury lawyer about their legal rights. Victims may be able to receive financial compensation for their injuries when the other driver was at fault.