Self-driving cars: Drivers will not be responsible for accidents and can watch TV behind the wheel, says government | United Kingdom news

Users of self-driving cars will not be responsible for accidents and will be allowed to watch TV while behind the wheel according to the proposed changes to the Road Code.

Insurance companies, not individuals, will be liable for claims if vehicles are involved in collisions, the transport ministry (DfT) said.

However, the update of the Code will clarify that drivers must be prepared to regain control of vehicles when necessary.

Although DfT also intends to allow drivers to watch TV programs and movies on built-in screens while using self-driving cars, it will still be illegal to use a mobile phone.

These measures are a temporary government measure to support the early deployment of self-driving vehicles.

There are currently no approved vehicles for self-driving on UK roads, but the first models may be given the green light later this year.

“Main stage” in the journey for the introduction of self-driving cars

This comes a year after DfT announced it would allow hands-free driving in vehicles with lane-keeping technology on congested highways.

While many cars already have “auxiliary” technology such as cruise control and automatic stop / start, drivers must remain in complete control.

Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said updating the Highway Code would be a “key milestone in our safe introduction of self-driving vehicles”, which she said would “revolutionize the way we travel”, making our future travel more environmentally friendly. safer and more reliable. “

She added: “This exciting technology is evolving rapidly here in the UK and we ensure that we have a strong foundation for drivers when they take our roads.

“In this way, we can help improve travel for all, while stimulating economic growth across the country and securing Britain’s place as a global scientific superpower.

DfT estimates that the development of self-driving vehicles could create around 38,000 new jobs in the UK and cost the economy £ 41.7 billion by 2035.

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation’s car research charity, said driverless cars “promise a future in which deaths and injuries on our roads will be significantly reduced”, but there is likely to be “a long transition period “While drivers retain much of the responsibility for what happened.”