The operation of a motor vehicle while impaired has long been a concern for public safety. Laws exist to deter individuals from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, typically referred to as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). However, the emergence of autonomous vehicle technology introduces new complexities to these established legal frameworks. The question of liability and responsibility arises when a vehicle operates, even partially, without human control.
The implications of autonomous driving technology on existing DUI laws are significant. For decades, the legal system has relied on the assumption that a human driver is in control of the vehicle and directly responsible for its operation. This premise forms the basis for determining impairment and assigning legal consequences. The advent of self-driving cars challenges this fundamental assumption, requiring a re-evaluation of the legal definition of “driving” and the corresponding responsibilities. Consider, for example, a scenario where a person is intoxicated in a self-driving car that is involved in an accident. Determining who is at fault the individual, the vehicle manufacturer, or the software provider becomes a multifaceted legal issue.
