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ChatWe are in the year 2025, and the world continues to accomplish amazing feats with technology. Artificial intelligence, robots, delivery drones, and self-driving vehicles are becoming more integrated into our daily lives. With these advancements, autonomous cars are hitting the roads in growing numbers, promising to revolutionize transportation. But as self-driving technology expands, new research is revealing alarming risks—including higher accident rates in certain conditions and serious safety concerns for pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers.
At Bottaro Law, we believe that safety should always come first. With Rhode Island’s narrow streets, unpredictable weather, and high pedestrian activity, it’s crucial to understand the dangers of autonomous cars and how they could impact drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians across our state.
Are Autonomous Cars Really Safer Than Human Drivers?
One of the biggest selling points of autonomous cars is their ability to reduce accidents caused by human error, such as distracted driving and impaired driving. But recent studies show that self-driving cars are still far from perfect—and, in some cases, they may be even more dangerous than human drivers.
A 2024 study published in Nature Communications found that autonomous cars have a 5.25 times higher crash risk than human-driven cars during dawn and dusk, and they are twice as likely to crash when making turns—especially left turns (Nature Communications).
These findings raise major concerns, particularly in Rhode Island, where narrow roads, busy intersections, and unpredictable driving conditions require vehicles to react quickly and safely.
If self-driving cars struggle with these basic driving maneuvers, how can they be trusted to navigate complex real-world situations like rush hour in Providence or icy roads in Newport?
Autonomous cars are advancing rapidly, but challenges in safety and decision-making still pose risks on our roads.
The Hidden Dangers of Autonomous Cars on Our Roads
While autonomous cars may excel in predictable highway conditions, research shows they still struggle with:
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection – Self-driving cars often fail to correctly detect pedestrians and cyclists, increasing the risk of fatal collisions. In urban areas like Providence, where crosswalks are common, this is a serious concern.
- Unpredictable Road Hazards – Human drivers can quickly react to road construction, potholes, and emergency vehicles. Autonomous cars, however, may not recognize flashing lights or unexpected detours, creating dangerous situations.
- Winter Weather Performance – Snow and ice can interfere with autonomous vehicle sensors, reducing their ability to detect lane markings or obstacles. This is especially alarming in Rhode Island, where winter storms are frequent.
A New Scientist report found that while autonomous cars perform well on highways, they struggle in cities, intersections, and crosswalks—exactly the types of environments found throughout Rhode Island (New Scientist).
With Rhode Island’s unpredictable road conditions, can self-driving cars truly keep us safe?
Are Autonomous Cars Coming to Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has already experimented with self-driving technology through the “Little Roady” autonomous shuttle pilot program, which ran in Providence from 2019 to 2020. While the shuttle provided valuable insights into how self-driving vehicles operate in real-world conditions, it also required a human attendant at all times to take over if the car malfunctioned.
This experiment showed that autonomous cars are not yet capable of safely operating without human intervention.
As of today, Rhode Island law does not allow fully autonomous cars to operate on public roads without a human driver present. However, with major automakers pushing for self-driving expansion, it is only a matter of time before these vehicles become more common on Rhode Island’s roads.
Autonomous Cars Are Already Causing Accidents
While autonomous cars have made significant advancements in technology and safety features, they still pose notable threats on the road. Crashes involving self-driving vehicles highlight that while these cars can reduce some human errors, they are not yet a fully reliable alternative to human drivers. Challenges like detecting pedestrians, navigating complex intersections, and handling unpredictable situations demonstrate that there is still work to be done before autonomous cars can be considered completely safe.
What to Do If You Are Injured in an Accident Involving an Autonomous Car
As Rhode Island considers expanding self-driving technology, more drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians could be at risk. If you or a loved one is injured in a crash involving an autonomous car, follow these steps to protect yourself and your legal rights:
1. Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to appear. Always get checked by a doctor after an accident.
2. Document the Accident Scene
Take photos of the crash, any vehicle damage, and road conditions. If the autonomous car was driving without a human operator, make a note of any visible cameras or sensors.
3. Gather Witness Information
Because self-driving car crashes involve complex liability issues, witness statements can help establish what really happened.
4. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Cases involving autonomous cars are not like regular car accidents. Liability could fall on the vehicle manufacturer, the software developer, or even the company operating the car. At Bottaro Law, we understand the complexities of these cases and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Bottaro Law?
At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we frequently investigate, negotiate, and litigate motor vehicle accidents. We often negotiate with at-fault parties’ insurance companies to get our clients paid. But sometimes, the at-fault parties do not maintain enough auto insurance coverage to cover the full extent of our clients’ damages. This is when our clients’ underinsured motorist coverage comes in. Have questions about your case and coverage? Call us anytime to discuss.
At Bottaro Law, we have been fighting for the rights of Rhode Island injury victims for years. If you have been injured in an accident involving an autonomous car, we will:
✅ Investigate your case and gather key evidence.
✅ Work with experts to analyze self-driving technology and determine liability.
✅ Fight for maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
With our No Fee Guarantee, you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.
The Future of Autonomous Cars: Safety or Risk?
While autonomous cars have the potential to improve road safety, current research shows that they are still far from perfect. The latest studies confirm that self-driving vehicles continue to struggle with real-world driving situations, including turns, low-light conditions, and pedestrian detection.
As Rhode Island looks ahead to the future of autonomous driving, we must prioritize safety, enforce strict regulations, and hold manufacturers accountable for self-driving car accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving an autonomous car, Bottaro Law is here to help.
📞 Call us at (401) 777-7777 or contact us online for a free consultation today.