Liability for Autonomous Vehicles and Legal Maintenance of Traffic Laws: Focusing on a New Automated Vehicles Act in the UK

Abstract

Self-driving cars will free humans from driving. Starting with the Level 4 self-driving ADS, is designed to control itself and drive even in emergency circumstances. From now on, the existing concept of a driver in charge of the dynamic driving task(DDT) of driving will be disappeared. The problem of attribution of responsibility for traffic accidents still remains, but the legal situation in Korea has not yet adequately prepared for the subjects or the scope of liability. At this point, the UK's new self-driving car law recommended in 2022 is worth considering. The UK government is investing heavily with the goal of commercializing Level 4 autonomous vehicles by 2025. A number of topics related to autonomous vehicles are dealed with this recommendation. The most remarkable thing in relation to the liability for accidents is that the two subjects of Level 4 autonomous driving vehicles. Depending on whether the person could engage in DDT, it is divided into a user-in-charge and NUIC operator, respectively, and each qualification and responsibility is different. The driver is exempted from driving-related matters in the event of an accident, and the responsibility rests with the manufacturer and operator. For the manufacturer(the developer ASDE) to be indemnified, it would have to be demonstrated by them that there were obviously other causes. It should be sought to fundamental changes in the traffic law system related to the driver's license system, signal violations, and the collection and storage of various traffic information.