Manufacturers of automated vehicles (AVs) and connected vehicles (CVs) are rapidly developing technologies with the potential to disrupt the U.S. transportation system. AVs use a variety of sensors, computers, and electronic controls to take over a portion or all of the responsibility for driving. Similarly, CVs use radio communications hardware, specially developed applications, and onboard vehicular displays to warn drivers about impending dangerous situations. CVs will ultimately result in a dense network of vehicles, all communicating with each other and the infrastructure to improve safety, mobility, and environmental outcomes.
CVs do not actually take over the task of driving in any way but instead send information to the vehicular operator (either human or automated), who then decides how to respond to the information. The liability implications for AVs and CVs are unique and are discussed in this brief.