Warning: You Can Still Get a DUI With a (Partially) Self-Driving Car
If you’re relying on your Tesla to get you home after you’ve had one too many out in the town, don’t.
If you get pulled over, you can still get a DUI. Drinking while you’re behind the wheel of a standard vehicle or semi-autonomous car is still considered driving under the influence. Not only is it illegal, but you could be liable for causing an accident or worse—injuring or killing another driver, other passengers, or pedestrians.
Are 100% Self-Driving Cars Available in Today’s Market?
Not yet.
Today’s safety technology and collision prevention features are more advanced than ever before. There are multiple vehicles available with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These equip drivers with adaptive cruise control and accident prevention features like braking, acceleration, lane-centering steering, lane changes, and a few even offer a limited hands-free experience.
Though some vehicles have partial autonomous features and driver-assistance technology, fully self-driving cars are not yet an option for public purchase. Still, many newer vehicles are coming out with advanced technology, leading consumers one step closer to a complete self-driving experience.
Even in a Semi-Autonomous Car, You Still Need to Be Alert
While advanced vehicle technology offers hands-free ease of use, comfort, and safety features, drivers still need to be prepared to take back control of the wheel at a moment’s notice.
Overconfidence as well as underestimating the need for the driver to be awake, alert, and sober are some of the biggest challenges with today’s partially automated vehicles. Concerned that semi- autonomous cars may pose more of a hazard rather than protecting drivers and others on the road, The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has developed a solution to help curtail this problem.
This year, The IIHS will introduce a ratings system to encourage auto manufacturers of partially autonomous vehicles to require the driver’s eyes to be focused on the road and hands on the steering wheel or at least prepared to steer if alerted to.
An Autonomous Vehicle Isn’t a Designated Driver
If you’re not alert, you shouldn’t get behind the wheel.
While fully automated vehicles may solve the problem of drunk driving eventually, the auto industry isn’t there yet. Until then, a small number of self-driving (or driverless) vehicles are allowed on the roads throughout the country for testing and are evaluated closely by NTSHA and USDOT. According to Edmunds.com, these cars only operate at reduced speeds in designated areas separate from other cars. No fully automated vehicles are obtainable for sale today, and vehicle experts have varying opinions on when they will be available. Many say it could be decades until they’re out in the open market.
Until then, if you’re feeling tipsy and tempted to get behind the wheel of your new car with driver assistance technology, we’ve got a better option for you.
Call an Uber.
Aside from all the risks of driving while drunk, getting a drunk driving conviction can not only cause you to lose your driver’s license but is generally guaranteed to raise your car insurance rates significantly.
Whether your vehicle has advanced technology, or it’s a standard one that gets you where you need to go, we can help you get the best coverage and rate out there by shopping many insurance carriers.
Do you have questions about insurance coverage on a partially self-driving car?
Call Galezano Insurance today!