Self-driving cars could be the answer to reducing SA road deaths

According to a recent announcement made by the head of the Renault-Nissan alliance, cars that drive themselves could be on European roads a mere four years from now, provided red tape does not get in the way. This is incredibly positive for global road accident rates as the accuracy of the system of driverless vehicles could help reduce the number of fatalities that occur on the roads daily.

This is according to Warwick Scott-Rodger, Head of Brokers at MUA Insurance Acceptances, who says that the extent of motor vehicle accidents remains a serious problem in South Africa and is most often the result of human error. “Consequently, a driverless system could help to eradicate careless and negligent driving behaviour, thereby reducing the number of accidents.”

Google’s driverless cars have now clocked more than 700 000 miles without a single accident whilst under a computer’s control, raising the possibility of a future of driverless vehicles. While it may be some time before the technology reaches South Africa; if it does become commercialised it is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the insurance industry, says Scott-Rodger.

He further points out that if the risks posed by driverless vehicles do prove to be less than those posed by traditional vehicles; the insurance premium charged should also reduce. “In theory, this would make the industry even more competitive, forcing insurance companies to include additional value added services to make their respective offerings more attractive.”

However, while the traditional risks posed by driver vehicles may be substantially mitigated, the reality is that it will take a long time for driverless cars to be introduced and driving on South Africa’s roads with absolute autonomy, he says. “Furthermore, compatibility of all vehicles to enable constant cross communication with each other is vital otherwise the sizeable benefits offered by such a system would soon be obsolete.”

As a result, a major concern for any insurance company, which opts to provide a reduced premium in response to the driverless system being implemented, is that a sluggish uptake of this technology would mean that the risks posed by other drivers on the roads would remain as rife as before, he adds.

He says that the introduction of such technology would also mean insurance contracts would certainly have to be revisited. “With an insurance policy being a contract between the insurer and the insured, certain terms and conditions may need to be tweaked in order to ensure that comprehensive cover is not compromised.”

Scott-Rodger says that exclusions such as driving under the influence of alcohol may no longer need to be applied. “One of the most contentious legal issues, however, may be that of third party claims.”

He says that the fact that you are no longer driving the car, but rather the car is driving itself raises a number of questions. “Can someone still be sued in his or her personal capacity? Would the owner or driver of the vehicle now assume the negligent position of the vehicle? The qualifying criteria for negligence to exist may now have to question: would the reasonable person (vehicle) have foreseen the consequence of his/her (its) actions, would the reasonable vehicle have taken the necessary steps to safeguard against this consequence, and lastly did this vehicle take the necessary steps to safeguard against such a consequence?”

Scott-Rodger says the introduction of this new mode of transport would also require transport laws to be revised. “This will include legislation regarding speaking on the cell phone whilst driving, licensing of vehicles and drivers, as well as the possible impact on claims submitted against the Road Accident Fund.”

“The principle behind driverless technology is very positive and so far the technology appears to be proving a success. However, while the phasing in of this type of technology will take a long time, especially in emerging markets where older cars remain on the roads for far longer, it is important that the local industry starts to consider the implications so it is prepared when the time arrives,” concludes Scott-Rodger.