Self-driving trucks are becoming more common on highways around St. Louis and across the country. These trucks use cameras, sensors, and computers to drive without as much human control. Supporters say they will make roads safer and save money for shipping companies. But there are still many concerns about how safe they are and what happens when something goes wrong. Continue reading to learn more about the potential dangers of self-driving trucks. If you’ve been injured in a self-driving truck accident, a St. Louis truck accident lawyer from Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Safety Concerns With Self-Driving Trucks
The biggest worry about self-driving trucks is safety. The technology behind them is still new and not perfect. Self-driving systems use cameras, radar, and computers to “see” the road, but these systems can fail. When they do, the results can be deadly.
Common safety problems include:
- Sensor failure that keeps the truck from seeing other vehicles or people.
- Software glitches that cause slow reactions or wrong decisions.
- Bad weather, such as fog, rain, or snow, can make sensors less accurate.
- Mechanical breakdowns that stop the truck from steering or braking.
- Hacking or cyberattacks that let outsiders control the vehicle’s systems.
A small problem with a self-driving truck can turn into a serious crash because of the truck’s size and weight.
When Technology Fails
Even though they are called “self-driving,” most of these trucks still need a person to watch the system and take control if something goes wrong. However, when drivers rely too heavily on the technology, they may not react quickly enough in an emergency.
If the truck suddenly shuts off its self-driving system, the driver has only seconds to take control. That short delay can cause major crashes, especially at high speeds or in heavy traffic.
Who Is Responsible After a Crash?
If a self-driving truck causes a crash, figuring out who is at fault can be complicated. Missouri uses a pure comparative fault rule, which means everyone involved may share part of the blame.
Possible responsible parties include:
- The trucking company that owns the vehicle
- The company that built the truck or the self-driving system
- The software company that programmed the truck’s computer
- The mechanic or maintenance company that serviced the vehicle
- The safety driver, if there was one behind the wheel
Determining who is at fault often requires experts to study how the technology worked and what failed during the crash.
Lack of Clear Rules
Another major problem is the lack of clear laws. Federal and state governments have not yet established strong regulations for self-driving trucks. In Missouri, few laws say how or where these trucks can operate.
This means companies can test trucks on public roads with little oversight. Each company follows its own safety standards, and those standards are not always strict. Until new laws are passed, both drivers and companies face uncertainty about what is required and who is responsible in the event of an accident.
Impact on Truck Drivers
Many people also worry that self-driving trucks will take away jobs. Trucking employs millions of drivers across the country, and automation could replace some of them.
Companies say the technology will create new types of jobs, such as technicians and system monitors, but many drivers may still lose work. Experienced drivers are often better at preventing crashes, so losing them could make roads less safe overall.
Data and Cybersecurity Risks
Self-driving trucks collect vast amounts of data about their routes, speed, and visual observations on the road. This information is valuable but also poses a risk if it is hacked or stolen.
Cybercriminals could use the data for financial gain or gain unauthorized control of the vehicle. A cyberattack on even one self-driving truck could lead to a serious accident or a traffic shutdown.
The Future of Self-Driving Trucks in Missouri
Self-driving trucks are still being tested, but they are already sharing Missouri highways with regular vehicles. The technology is improving, but it is not yet ready to completely replace human drivers. Lawmakers and safety experts must establish stronger regulations before these trucks become widespread.
Contact the St. Louis Truck Accident Attorneys at Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Self-driving trucks may revolutionize the future of transportation, but they also pose significant risks. Technical failures, unclear laws, and human error can all lead to dangerous crashes. Until stronger safety systems and regulations are in place, drivers in St. Louis should remain vigilant when sharing the road with autonomous trucks.
For more information, please contact Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in St. Louis, MO, today. We have two convenient locations in Missouri, including St. Louis and Richmond Heights.
We proudly serve St. Louis County and its surrounding areas.
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
10 S Broadway #560
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 932-1066
Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Richmond Heights Office
1034 S Brentwood Blvd Penthouse 1-C
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
(314) 463-4173
