How Self-Driving Cars Handle Inclement Weather?

How Self-Driving Cars Handle Inclement Weather?

Picture yourself on a stormy evening, driving cautiously, only to see a self-driving car struggling to stay in its lane due to rain-smeared sensors. Or, imagine a self-driving truck that can’t interpret an ice-covered road sign, causing it to veer off course. Bad weather tests the limits of autonomous technology, and as our founder Amy Witherite puts it: “We see videos of pristine trucks operating in perfect weather conditions. That is not the real world.” 

How Self-Driving Cars Perform in Bad Weather

Self-driving cars rely on sensors, cameras, and software to understand the road, but inclement weather can disrupt their accuracy. Rain, fog, snow, and ice can obscure key things like lane markings and traffic signals, impairing the vehicle’s ability to make safe decisions. “When you take away that clear, perfect weather, the technology can fail in ways the manufacturer didn't foresee.”

Common Challenges for Self-Driving Cars in Poor Weather

Adverse weather exposes limitations in self-driving technology, leading to situations like:

  • Heavy Rain: Sensors and cameras may not detect lane lines or nearby cars. This is dangerous on crowded roads, where delayed reactions can lead to crashes.
  • Snow and Ice: Self-driving vehicles might misinterpret slippery roads, failing to adjust speed or direction in time. For instance, a self-driving car might not recognize an ice patch and skid, unable to respond properly.
  • Fog: Low visibility can render cameras ineffective, preventing the car from detecting obstacles ahead.

Real Examples of Self-Driving Technology Failures in Inclement Conditions

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system has been linked to several crashes under low-visibility conditions, including fog and sun glare. In one recent fatal incident, a Tesla vehicle reportedly failed to respond appropriately in foggy conditions, raising questions about the system's ability to handle reduced visibility safely. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating Tesla's Full Self-Driving technology for its performance in conditions where visibility is limited, as multiple crashes have involved the system’s misinterpretation of surroundings due to poor visibility​.

Tesla’s Autopilot feature, which offers partial autonomy, has also faced criticism for its performance in rainy conditions. Tesla drivers have reported incidents where Autopilot struggled to maintain lane position or detect nearby vehicles due to rain impairing the cameras. 

The Importance of Representation in Self-Driving Car Wrecks in Bad Weather

After an accident involving a self-driving car in bad weather, determining liability is challenging. Witherite Law Group has extensive experience handling these cases. We work closely with technology experts to analyze sensor and software data, helping us uncover what went wrong. Whether it’s a sensor malfunction or a programming error, we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Our Lawyers Are Here to Help You Seek Justice and Fair Compensation After a Self-Driving Car Wreck

If you’ve been injured in a self-driving car accident during bad weather, contact Witherite Law Group today. Our experienced team is ready to guide you through the legal process and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable. Schedule a consultation to discuss your case and explore your options for securing the compensation you deserve.

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