As technology continues to advance, the automobile industry continues to introduce safety features that rely on software. The new connected vehicles are always connected to the Internet and are reliant on computer systems for features such as automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning.
Fiat Chrysler recalled 1.4 million vehicles for a software patch after two hackers managed to remotely take control of a Jeep Cherokee while it was traveling down the highway. It’s rapidly becoming apparent that vehicles will have to have more protection against hacking.
The Security and Privacy in Your Car Act of 2015 was recently proposed in the Senate. The act would ensure that the essential software systems in vehicles be isolated; the entire vehicle would be safeguarded from hacking with “reasonable measures” that have yet to be defined.
The proposed act also requires that data stored in the vehicle be secured to prevent unauthorized parties from obtaining access. Vehicles should also be able to detect and respond to hacking attempts immediately. The act proposes that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration develop privacy standards that require vehicle owners to be informed about what data is collected, transmitted, and shared. Owners will be given the opportunity to opt of data collection.
Technological advances are preventing vehicle accidents every day, but it’s important to make sure that these advances don’t turn into disasters. If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident due to a software malfunction, call Schuerman Law today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims related to automobile accidents for more than 40 years. John Schuerman is a compassionate advocate for individuals who have been injured as well as their families. He will aggressively fight for full compensation for injury victims’ claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation by calling 1-800-274-0045.
