Car owners are familiar with the risks presented by mechanical failures. Faulty parts that cause a breakdown or a screw that wasn’t tightened securely at the repair shop can cause problems for drivers. However, what many do not consider is the risk presented by software glitches on the performance of a vehicle.
Technology improvements in vehicles allow vehicles to perform better. The driving experience has become more comfortable as in-vehicle features advance. When those technological improvements do not operate as intended, problems arise.
When software malfunctions, serious injuries often arise.
Examining Automotive Software
The software used in vehicles has steadily become more complex over the years. The downside to the complexity of the software is that there is an increased risk for glitches and other issues.
New vehicles often feature individual control functions that are connected to a single network. That becomes problematic when safety features depend on the connectivity of a vehicle and its software.
It is common for all the major components of a vehicle- brakes, engine, airbags- to depend upon software to function correctly. When the software does not function correctly, any number of bad outcomes can occur. Technology that, ideally, prevents front-end collisions and other preventable accidents can fail and lead to accidents.
Automotive Software Glitches Contribute To Car Accidents
The vehicle systems impacted by software glitches are among the most important to its functionality. An emergency braking system helps to prevent accidents by using cameras and sensors to anticipate a front-end collision. First, a potential hazard is sensed using radar and other technology. If a driver fails to stop in time to avoid a collision, the vehicle will brake automatically.
The downside to this technology is that, in the event that the software malfunctions, an abrupt stopping of the vehicle can occur at an inopportune time. Depending upon the location or traffic conditions, a vehicle can create a major accident. Imagine proceeding through a busy intersection only to find that a vehicle stops out of nowhere in front of you. Avoiding that accident would prove difficult.
What Happens When Vehicle Technology Doesn’t Perform Correctly
Using the safety, comfort, and other features available in modern vehicles requires a driver to have a basic understanding of their functionality. Unfortunately, the technology involved is so advanced in many cases that it is beyond the grasp of many vehicle owners.
Consider that the technology involved with helping a vehicle remain in its lane is complicated enough that vehicle manufacturers often have different intentions on how the technology is to be implemented versus how the average vehicle owner actually uses it.
For instance, many drivers assume that the technology that helps a vehicle maintain lane integrity functions on its own. Rather, the technology is intended to be used in conjunction with a driver who is alert to road conditions. Many drivers take for granted that they are expected to contribute to the safety features that are standard in many new vehicles.
Accidents Occur When Drivers Place Too Much Trust In Their Vehicle Technology
Vehicle manufacturers spend a great deal of money and effort on publicizing each and every advancement made in the area of vehicle technology. Countless commercials have been produced that highlight even the most minor of technological innovations standard in even the most basic of new vehicles.
Preventing rear-end collisions, blind spot-related accidents, and a host of other dangers are what is promised to the prospective purchaser of a vehicle. Advertising often gives the impression that these safety features work at the touch of a button or the flick of a finger on a touchscreen. In reality, the driver must work in combination with these advances in vehicle technology.
Drivers put themselves and those around them in danger by assuming that the vehicle technology highlighted in advertisements functions without any involvement from the driver. On the contrary, most technological innovations in new model vehicles require some involvement from the driver. Relatively few function autonomously.
Is There A Way To Verify The Cause Of An Accident In New Vehicles?
Many new vehicles are equipped with black boxes in much the same way as aircraft. These black boxes retain data and information regarding the functionality and use of various in-vehicle technologies. If an accident were to occur, the black box would maintain a record of how various features did- or did not- function during the accident.
These black boxes are one type of evidence that can be used in a car accident case against a negligent driver or even against a vehicle manufacturer. If not the vehicle manufacturer, then the company that produced the software may be held responsible for an accident.
Acceleration, braking, lane changing, and so much more are controlled by vehicle software. It is no wonder that a premium is placed on drivers’ understanding of what their technology allows them to do. The limits of technology and the software operated by various systems in a vehicle are all part of the learning process.
What Responsibility Do Vehicle Manufacturers Have Regarding System Software?
Auto manufacturers have a duty to produce vehicles that are safe to operate. The process of evaluating each vehicle produced for safety and quality is a major point of emphasis. When software glitches impact vehicle safety, there is a possibility for the manufacturer to be held responsible.
How Do Automotive Manufacturers Handle Software Glitches?
Once an automotive manufacturer discovers a problem with vehicle software, there are a handful of responses that may result.
Relatively minor glitches, which are highly unlikely to impact vehicle performance, may be ignored. Many times, a software glitch can be fixed when vehicles are brought back into the dealership for service. A service technician may speak to a vehicle owner and ask permission to update the software.
In some instances, a manufacturer may be able to fix a software glitch without a vehicle owner even being aware of the repair. A benefit of the technology of modern vehicles is that many fixes are possible remotely. A network connection to the vehicle allows for any number of repairs to be performed in the background.
Recalls Are Issued When Software Glitches Are Considered Serious
In some instances, the software glitch in question will be significant enough to warrant a recall being issued. Whereas vehicle software was a relatively minor issue a decade ago, new vehicles being produced currently have most of their systems tied up with software of some sort. It is reasonable to presume that software-related vehicle recalls will increase as software becomes more entrenched in almost every vehicle system.
The Difference Between Software Performance And Glitching Is Small
Overall, vehicle software likely does reduce the likelihood of vehicle breakdowns and accidents. On the other hand, the margin for error in some vehicle software components is rather thin. Poorly performing software can create dangerous situations on the road. These dangerous situations dramatically increase the likelihood of an accident occurring.
What Happens With Car Accidents Involving Software Glitches?
Car accidents are painful and expensive. If you have been injured in a car accident, then do not try to fight the insurance company alone. These insurance companies thrive when going up against injured parties who lack representation. That way, the insurers can take advantage of the inexperience of the injured motorist.
One item to take special note of is that when a car accident occurs due to a software glitch, there may be multiple parties to seek relief from. Not only may another driver be responsible for your injuries, but the manufacturer of their vehicle may bear some responsibility, as well. Lost wages, medical bills, as well as pain and suffering, are all damages potentially available in a claim against an auto manufacturer.
