Self-Driving Cars Autonomous Vehicles


Over the course of the next several years, Keis George will feature the reoccurring theme of self-driving cars also known as driverless car litigation and autonomous vehicles. Right now there are more unanswered questions than answers that the legal system, insurance carriers, and engineers will have to investigate, contemplate and resolve over the next several years as these vehicles become implemented in to a part of daily living.

Classification system for self-driving cars/autonomous vehicles 

The best place to start is to explain there are five levels of driving automation. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recently provided a classification system and corresponding terminology for automated driving. Standard J3016 identifies levels of driving automation, noting differences in the human driver’s interaction with the functional aspects of the vehicles technology. Here are the levels or click here to download a reference sheet on the classification system: 

Level One – Driver Assistance

The human driver is in main control over the driving environment.

Level Two – Partial Autonomy

The human driver is in main control over the automated driver’s system and the driving environment (i.e., rear and side view mirrors, cruise control, automated parking, and lane assist).

Level Three – Conditional Automation

The human driver is not responsible for monitoring driving but must monitor the vehicle’s automated driving system and take control of the vehicle if prompted.

Level Four – High Automation

The non-human driver performs all aspects of driving but the capacity exists for the human occupant to take over control of the vehicle and assume driving tasks.

Level Five – Full Automation

The non-human driver performs all aspects of driving with no ability for the human non-driver to resume control.

Infographic on self-driving cars

Most vehicles today are at level two, which is partial autonomy where the human driver is in main control over the automated driver’s system and the driving environment. In a few months we will look at the claimed benefits of automated vehicles. To discuss this hot topic or a similar matter, contact an attorney from our auto subrogation practice.