An Analytical Study On The Legal Liability Caused By Autonomous Vehicles with Reference To The Motor Vehicles Act Of 1988
Aditi Sahu, School of Law, Christ (Deemed to be University)
ABSTRACT
Autonomous Vehicles are a creation of technology. They are capable of sensing the environment and traveling without human control. They use LiDar(Light Detecting and Ranging) sensors, which bounce lights from surrounding objects and hence decide the route to take. Autonomous Vehicles are not objects of a distant future but are a part of reality. They reduce road accidents, lower harmful emissions, improve fuel consumption and decrease human error. Despite their benefits, Autonomous Vehicles has their own set of drawbacks. One such is the determination of liability. The question of onus of liability is pertinent in the case of Autonomous Vehicles. Unlike traditional vehicles, liability cannot be attributed only to the owner of the vehicle as they have limited control on its functioning. The manufacturer could also be held liable for accidents caused by such vehicles. The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 does not adequately answer this question. This paper analyses concepts of liability from various statutes and intends to recommend ways to solve this issue.
Keywords: Autonomous Vehicles, Liability, Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, Owner, Manufacturer
