Self-driving cars, once the stuff of science fiction, are now a reality on Southern California’s roads. Companies like Waymo, Tesla, and Cruise are testing autonomous vehicle (AV) technology in cities across the region, from San Diego to Los Angeles. And although these vehicles promise to revolutionize transportation by reducing human error, they also raise critical questions about safety for vulnerable road users, cyclists in particular.
To better understand the implications of this emerging technology, we spoke with Chris Mova, a personal injury attorney based in San Diego at Mova Law Group, who has years of experience handling accidents involving cyclists.
The Promise of Autonomous Vehicles
Proponents of self-driving cars argue that they have the potential to drastically reduce traffic accidents. Human error accounts for approximately 94% of all crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Autonomous vehicles rely on advanced sensors, cameras, radar, and artificial intelligence to navigate roads, theoretically eliminating mistakes caused by distracted, impaired, or reckless drivers.
“For cyclists, this could mean fewer close calls with distracted drivers texting behind the wheel,” says Chris Mova. “In theory, AVs should be programmed to prioritize safety and follow traffic laws more consistently than humans.”
However, despite their promise, self-driving cars are not without their flaws — and those flaws can have serious consequences for cyclists.
Cycling Specific Concerns
For now, autonomous vehicles are still rare on the roads, but there are still concerns involving cyclists that highlight potential dangers.
1. Misjudging Cyclist Behavior
Self-driving systems sometimes struggle to interpret unpredictable cyclist movements, such as swerving to avoid obstacles or signaling turns informally. A 2022 incident in San Francisco involved an autonomous vehicle failing to yield to a cyclist who was making a legal left turn, resulting in a collision.
2. Sensor Limitations
Sensors and cameras may fail to detect cyclists in certain conditions, such as low light or heavy rain. For example, a cyclist wearing dark clothing may be more likely to be struck by an AV during nighttime hours because the system can’t distinguish them from the background.
3. Programming Priorities (Bias)
Some critics worry that AV algorithms might prioritize passenger comfort over cyclist safety. For example, if an AV detects a cyclist ahead but decides it’s “safe” to pass closely, the cyclist could feel endangered even if no crash occurs.
“AVs may be designed to reduce accidents, but they’re not infallible,” warns Chris Mova. “Cyclists need to remain vigilant and assume that these vehicles might not always see them — or act predictably.”
Challenges Unique to Southern California
Southern California presents unique challenges for both cyclists and self-driving cars due to its dense urban landscapes, congested streets, and the predominant weather conditions.
Congested urban areas: Cities like Los Angeles and San Diego are notorious for heavy traffic, narrow bike lanes, and frequent stops. These environments test the limits of AV navigation systems, which must constantly adapt to dynamic situations.
Tourists and new drivers: Popular cycling routes in beach towns like Santa Monica and La Jolla often attract tourists unfamiliar with local roads. Add self-driving cars into the mix, and the risk of confusion increases.
Weather variability: Foggy mornings along the coast or sudden downpours can impair sensor performance, potentially putting cyclists at greater risk.
Legal Implications for Cyclists
If a cyclist is involved in an accident with a self-driving car, determining liability can be complicated. Unlike traditional accidents where fault lies with a human driver, AV crashes involve multiple parties.
- The vehicle manufacturer: If the crash resulted from a software glitch or hardware malfunction, the manufacturer could be held liable.
- The software developer (typically the manufacturer): Companies designing the AI algorithms may share responsibility if poor programming contributed to the incident.
- The passenger: In some cases, the person inside the AV (if present) may bear partial responsibility depending on how the vehicle was being used.
“Victims of AV-related accidents may find themselves navigating uncharted legal territory,” explains Mova. “That’s why it’s so important to consult with an attorney who understands the nuances of these cases.”
How Cyclists Can Stay Safe Around Self-Driving Cars
Until autonomous vehicles become more reliable, cyclists must take extra precautions when sharing the road with them. Here are some tips.
- Increase your visibility: Wear bright clothing, use lights, and attach reflective gear to your bike to ensure you’re seen by sensors and cameras.
- Be predictable: Signal turns clearly, stay within designated bike lanes, and avoid sudden maneuvers that might confuse AV systems.
- Stay alert: Don’t assume that self-driving cars will always stop or yield. Maintain situational awareness and be prepared to react quickly.
- Report unsafe behavior: If you encounter an AV acting erratically, report it to local authorities or the company testing the vehicle. Many companies have hotlines for public feedback.
“Self-driving cars hold immense potential, but we’re not there quite yet and until then, cyclists must remain proactive about their safety, and companies must prioritize transparency and accountability.”
Photo by Hoseung Han on Unsplash
