Rob King & Associates, Trail Lawyers | August 7, 2025 | Car Accidents
As modern cars become more technologically advanced, self-driving cars are undoubtedly the next frontier. Experts forecast that by 2034, more than 230,000 of them will be sold annually. As exciting as this prospect may be, many wonder what the future will look like when drivers become passengers and technology takes the wheel.
Anticipating the possible consequences of automated cars is crucial to preparing for the future. How are self-driving cars dangerous? Consider the following unexpected ways these vehicles may alter transportation as we know it.
1. Less Vehicle Ownership
If humans aren’t the ones driving cars, there may be less need to own them. Instead, autonomous vehicles could simply operate as a shared service, similar to ride-sharing or public transportation.
2. Lower Auto Insurance Premiums
Car insurance premiums are currently based on the risks associated with human error. Since humans won’t be driving autonomous vehicles, the insurance industry may need to develop a new pricing model. Additionally, there may be fewer legal issues and uninsured motorist claims due to a decreased need for car insurance.
3. Increased Cybersecurity Incidents
Self-driving cars run on innovative technology. Unfortunately, this highlights one of the biggest disadvantages of autonomous vehicles: If their computers can be hacked, passengers and their personal information may be at risk. Manufacturers will likely need to figure out how to protect vehicles from bad actors and put passengers’ minds at ease.
4. Fewer Air Pollution Concerns
Though it’s important to discuss the dangers of driverless cars, it’s also good to point out the benefits. Since these vehicles run on electricity rather than gasoline, there will likely be positive changes in the fuel industry. Eventually, society may see fewer issues with vehicle emissions and air pollution.
5. Less Need for Parking
With fewer cars on the road, parking garages and open-air lots will likely be emptier. Cities will need to think about how to use these spaces for good, perhaps by creating more affordable housing or offering more social services.
6. Greater Mobility for Everyone
Some people can’t drive due to disability or the lack of a license. Self-driving cars will enable these individuals to get around quickly and easily without the need to figure out how to operate a vehicle.
7. Safer Crosswalks
Self-driving cars can make vehicle movement more predictable, as they’ll no longer be subject to human decisions. This predictability could make pedestrians much safer and result in fewer bicycle accidents.
8. Increased Unemployment Rate
One of the risks of self-driving cars that isn’t discussed as often is how these vehicles may upend entire industries, such as the taxi and ride-sharing sectors. This may mean that those currently working in these professions will need to find new employment or be reskilled to support these industries in other ways.
9. The Need to Rethink Vehicle Design
With fewer drivers, car manufacturers may need to redesign vehicles to fit more passengers. Future cars may resemble today’s public transportation options, with more seats and communal configurations.
10. Safer Alcohol Consumption
Currently, those who want to go out and have a good time have to worry about their blood-alcohol level before they get behind the wheel. With self-driving cars, this will be a thing of the past. Partygoers will be able to drink without concerns about causing a drunk driving accident.
Call Our Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys at Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Fully automated vehicles aren’t yet available, and today’s drivers are still causing accidents. If you’ve recently been involved in one, it may be helpful to contact an attorney.
An Indianapolis car accident lawyer can thoroughly investigate your accident to determine the cause and establish liability. They can then help you decide how to move forward and assert your rights as you recover from your injuries. Call Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with our team.
For more information, please contact Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana, today.
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