US Lawyers Question The Legality Of Mercedes-Benz's Self-Driving Cars

Mercedes-Benz is positioned to lead the autonomous car market in the US as it targets to introduce the first SAE Level 3 self-driving tech soon, evenbeating homegrown brand Tesla. As promising as it may sound, however, law experts believe the technology still has a lot of flaws in terms of legal systems.

UnderLevel 3 semi-autonomy, humans won't be considered the drivers once the system is engaged. From the sound of it alone, legal experts should have a difficult time pointing out who will be liable in the event of a road accident.

Mercedes-Benz will offer this technology to US consumers through the Drive Pilot. It will be available as an option in the 2024 model yearS-Classand the fully electricEQS Sedan, which are slated to arrive later this year.

The German automaker has already done some paperwork, with its Drive Pilot getting agreen light first in Californiaand Nevada.

"There are well-established legal systems for determining responsibility and liability of roads and highways," the automaker toldAutomotive Newsin a written statement. "While they differ between jurisdictions, they still provide the legal foundation that is the basis of the respective tasks and duties."

但是威廉•扩大University of Miami law professor, thinks new rules and laws should be passed before allowing Level 3 semi-automated-equipped cars to use the road. He cautioned motorists who plan to get self-driving vehicles to take statements made by manufacturers with a grain of salt.