World

Why Accidents Involving Self-Driving Cars Are So Complex

Published

3 years ago

August 13, 2022

The last two decades have seen technological advancements and innovations improve tremendously. Technologies like video calling and driverless cars, which were only possible in Sci-Fi movies, are now a reality.

Unlike some other technology faults, driverless car errors can be a matter of life and death. While there is no doubt that driverless cars are the future of driving, a lot still needs to be done before the technology can be considered safe.

They May Not Be As Safe

In the past few years, there have been several stories about vehicles on autopilot causing an accident. Some of these situations would be easily avoidable for a human driver, bringing to question the safety of autonomous features. While accidents involving cars on autopilot usually result in less severe injuries than driver-operated vehicles, a recent study shows that their rate of getting into an accident is slightly higher.

On average, there are 4.1 crashes per 1 million miles traveled for driver-operated vehicles compared to 9.1 per 1 million miles traveled for vehicles with autonomous driving features.

Misleading Terminologies

Currently, there isn’t much regulation on autonomous driving allowances. Most autonomous car makers capitalize on the loopholes in the law to create misleading terminologies regarding vehicles’ capabilities, making determining liability a complex issue.

For example, Tesla refers to its advanced driver-assist feature as autopilot, which drivers can interpret as entirely autonomous. On its website, Tesla states that autopilot is an advanced driver assist feature meant to complement perceptive human drivers, not replace them. Unfortunately, many semi-autonomous car drivers get a sense of false security from the misleading terminology, resulting in devastating accidents.

Accidents that happen under such circumstances can result in Tesla having liability. Recently, a court in Germany found the “autopilot” tag on tesla vehicles misleading. This means that Tesla could be liable for damages resulting from reliance on the feature.

Technology Malfunction

Autonomous car makers could also be liable for an accident if a malfunction in their system causes an accident. Malfunctions can result from system failure or even cyber-attacks.

In 2015, a planned hacking test was conducted on a Jeep. Surprisingly, the hackers were able to access the jeep remotely and stop it while traveling at 70 mph. Accidents that result from system hacking could see car manufacturers having liability because system hacks are outside the driver’s control.

Driver Liability

In January of 2022, a 27-year-old Tesla driver was charged with vehicular manslaughter for hitting and killing two occupants of a Honda Civic at an intersection while on autopilot. This case marked the first time an American was facing criminal charges for autopilot-related accidents, which could set precedence for future accidents involving autopilot features.

“Autopilot cannot and should not replace attentive driving,” says car accident attorney Amy Gaiennie. “All drivers should keep their attention on the road and only use any self-driving assistive technology to complement their safe driving practices.”

According to the NHTSA, vehicle control lies with the driver irrespective of how sophisticated its technology is. This means that accidents that result from a driver not playing their part in operating the vehicle can see the motorist carrying liability for the accident.

As it stands, vehicles cannot be considered entirely autonomous, but technology is headed there fast. But until then, the driver must play a significant role in operating a vehicle failure to which they could be liable for damages.

World

Swiss International University Enhances Student Employability with Major Global Collaborations

Published

2 weeks ago

November 8, 2025

Jenny Jackson

New collaborations with Citibank, Abu-Ghazaleh Global, RAK Properties, and others strengthen SIU’s commitment to connecting academic learning with global career opportunities.

Swiss International University (SIU) has already informed about the new corporate partnerships that will start in October 2025 and that they will provide students with better access to internships, training programs, and job opportunities in various fields.

The new partnerships are aligned with SIU’s goal to combine education with the real world, as they ensure that the graduates are equipped with the required knowledge, skills, and professional exposure to be successful in the global economy of today.

In the last few weeks, SIU has formed alliances with several major companies, including those from the banking, business, hospitality, real estate, and consulting sectors. The students will be actively involved in each collaboration through internships, practical training, and the career opportunities that will be given to them during or after their studies.

Among the key collaborations are

Citibank, where students of the business and finance fields will get to experience international banking operations through special training and possible hiring programs.

Abu-Ghazaleh Global has given SIU’s programs its official blessing and access to practical experience in global business, accounting, and consulting.

RAK Properties is going to give real estate and business students a chance to learn about property development, investment, and project management.

The Signature Inn Hotel Al Riqa L.L.C. offers students of hospitality a chance through real-life interrelated scenarios to gain the knowledge of front-office operations and guest management.

Al Shabaka International Businessmen Services is opening a door for the students to meet the professionals involved in global business consulting and administration.

Galadari Motor Driving Center, where students will get a clear insight into corporate management, customer relations, and operational efficiency.

Women’s First Jobs is going to help female students and graduates through career counseling, professional networking, and empowerment initiatives.

MyFounders.Club Global is building up the students and aspiring founders in terms of innovation and entrepreneurship by taking them through the process of developing and launching new ventures.

Revival AE Project Development Consultant Co., L.L.C., where students will be working on consulting for sustainable projects and environmental management.

“The partnerships that we have formed represent our commitment not only to the business world but also to the world of academia,” said the Head of Swiss International University. “We are aspiring to equip every student in SIU with the power to win the global job market through robust academic credentials, practical exposure, and a web of real opportunities. Our target is not a teacher-student relationship whose only need is the job—our students will be the ones making changes in the various fields of tomorrow.”

The academic world and the global market are the two areas where SIU, collaborating with partners at the present time, shows the institution’s continued commitment to creating a career-oriented academic environment where learning takes place beyond the walls of the classrooms.

The deadline of October 2025 is approaching, but the university is still looking to make new strategic partnerships to grow its network of global partners. It is clear from the continuous activities of the university that it is striving to offer its students worldwide the possibility of not only utilizing their skills but also being a part of the industry via employment and thus empowering them to make a difference in international markets.