Are self-driving cars safe?
8 minute read Published on Aug 21, 2025 by BrokerLink Communications
When we think about the safest cars and safest SUVs on the market, we think of vehicles operated by human drivers. But the future is already here. As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to push the boundaries of innovation in the automotive industry, the question on everyone’s mind is, are self-driving cars safe?
What is a self-driving car?
An autonomous automobile, driverless car, or self-driving car is a vehicle that can navigate and function without active human input. Instead, to sense the world around them, make decisions, and navigate roadways, these cars employ an assortment of cameras, sensors, radar, lidar imaging, and sophisticated artificial intelligence.
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) levels of automation are a scale that is commonly used to classify the automation levels of self-driving cars. These levels, which indicate various levels of automation, go from Level 0 to Level 5. Let’s take a closer look at each level in more detail below:
Level 0 (No Automation):
There is no automation involved in driving; instead, the motorist is entirely in command of the car.
Level 1 (Driver Assistance):
The car can help with acceleration as well as deceleration or steering, but not simultaneously. An example of this is adaptive cruise control.
Level 2 (Partial Automation):
In some situations, autonomous vehicles can handle both steering and acceleration or deceleration. Still, the driver needs to pay attention and keep an eye on what's going on around them.
Level 3 (Conditioned Automation):
Under some circumstances, such as driving on a highway, the motor vehicle can accomplish the majority of operating activities. Even when the driver is not in direct control, they still need to be prepared to take over in an emergency.
Level 4 (High Automation):
All driving functions in particular settings or circumstances can be carried out by the car without the need for human interaction. There will be times, however, when the driver will need to intervene.
Level 5 (Full Automation):
The car can operate autonomously in any situation and handle all driving duties without the need for human control.
Pros and cons of automated driving systems
The idea of self-driving cars navigating our public roads without human intervention is incredibly exciting. That said, it also brings forth several challenges that can be daunting to the average motorist. Because of this, we think it's essential that Canadians have a better understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of automation. Take a look below for a breakdown of each:
The advantages
The following section reviews the pros of automated driving systems:
Road safety for human drivers
From speeding tickets and drunk drivers to road rage and other hazards, human-driven vehicles pose a significant risk to traffic safety, and increasing traffic safety is one of the main objectives of automated driving systems. Artificial intelligence can minimize errors made by human-driven cars, which is a significant contributor to why common car accidents happen in the first place.
Decreased traffic congestion
By enhancing vehicle coordination, autonomous vehicle systems can maximize the flow of traffic, lessen traffic congestion, and possibly even cut down on travel times. No more running late to where you need to be!
Efficiency and fuel economy
Driving behaviours can also be optimized by automated systems, resulting in more environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient driving. In other words, reduce pollution from vehicles, which is a significant contributor to global warming, which is something all of us benefit from.
Improved mobility for disadvantaged populations
Autonomous cars have the possibility of helping improve the independence of people who are unable to drive because of age, disability, or other factors by giving them more mobility.
Increased productivity
If commuters are not actively driving, they could make better use of their journey time by working, reading, or doing other things to pass the time!
Parking optimization
By carefully navigating and parking cars, self-driving technology can increase parking efficiency and possibly lessen the demand for huge parking spaces or parking garages.
The disadvantages
Next, we review the potential drawbacks of automated driving systems:
Security issues
Dependence on advanced technologies gives rise to safety concerns. Hackers may be able to jeopardize autonomous car safety and functionality in the future.
Ethical and legal challenges
There are, of course, ethical and legal difficulties that arise with self-driving cars. For example, determining who is at fault in an accident involving autonomous vehicles. Establishing regulations and liability standards is an ongoing process that involves numerous parties in government, engineering, and autonomous vehicle companies.
In the end, resolving these issues will be essential for maximizing the benefits of automated driving systems while minimizing any adverse effects as technology advances and more research on driver assistance technologies is carried out.
What are the safety benefits of automated vehicles?
As we briefly touched on above, automated vehicles offer a range of safety benefits to all kinds of drivers. Here are some essential safety advantages we think are worth noting further:
Reduce human error
Human error, particularly driving while intoxicated, distracted, or fatigued, is the primary cause of the majority of traffic accidents. There are likely to be fewer accidents as a result of automated cars’ ability to reduce or eliminate specific risks.
Enhanced reaction time
Compared to the average human response time, automated systems can respond to possible threats in a matter of milliseconds. This quick thinking, which can help avoid accidents, particularly when making snap decisions, is essential.
Strict compliance with traffic laws
Automated cars are designed to rigorously follow traffic regulations. Lowering the frequency of infractions like speeding, running red lights, and other violations that can cause accidents can help create a safer driving environment for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Enhanced vehicle awareness
Thanks to the development of advanced sensors and perceptual technologies, automated cars are now able to see everything around them, even blind spots. This increased awareness can help avoid mishaps brought on by poor visibility.
Support in difficult conditions
Automated cars with cutting-edge sensors and analytics are better than human drivers at navigating through difficult situations like persistent rain, snow, or poor visibility.
Tips for Safer Driving
Speaking of safety while on the road, take a look at somesafe driving tips you may have forgotten over the years:
Respect traffic laws
Pay attention to speed restrictions, traffic lights, and signage. This will help you ensure the safety of other drivers while avoiding unwanted traffic tickets and fines.
Avoid distractions
Steer clear of distractions while driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or fiddling with the radio.
Keep a safe following distance
Maintain a safe distance behind the car in front of you. In the event of unexpected stops, this enables a quicker response time.
Use turn signals
Give other drivers a heads-up of what you want to do. This facilitates smoother traffic flow by assisting other vehicles in anticipating your movements.
Check your blind spots
Before lane changes, always make sure to check your blind spots. This will ensure that you can make the lane change safely. Lane departure systems can also help you navigate lane changes, alongside checking your blind spots.
Avoid driving aggressively
Remain calm and patient when driving. Driving too fast and road rage are examples of dangerous driving that increase the likelihood of collisions.
If a vehicle is driving itself, who is liable if the vehicle crashes?
In Canada, the driver or owner of the vehicle is typically held liable for accidents, even if the vehicle is equipped with automated driving technology. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Driver duty of car
The majority of the time, the person acting as the "operator" or the driver of the vehicle is held accountable for the vehicle's safe operation. Should an automated vehicle necessitate human involvement or oversight, the operator may be accountable for any accidents that transpire during its self-driving mode.
Manufacturer liability
Legal implications may arise when an accident is brought on by a flaw in the autonomous vehicle system or other parts of the car. If there are flaws in the automated system's development, production, or maintenance, self-driving car companies would be responsible.
Negligence
If the owner or operator of the driverless car neglects to take necessary action or if problems arise with automatic system updates or servicing, this could be taken into account for assessing liability.
In Canada, the switch to entirely driverless vehicles will take some time. It's also important to remember that rules and laws about automated vehicles are ever-changing, especially in the foreseeable future. However, governments and authorities are proactively tackling the obstacles posed by self-driving cars, such as concerns around responsibility. It should also be noted that responsibility regulations may vary between provinces and territories in the future if not structured federally.
How do you insure autonomous vehicles?
Due to the rapidly changing nature of modern technology and a possible shift in responsibility from human motorists to the manufacturers or engineers of computerized systems, insurance for self-driving or autonomous cars presents special challenges that have yet to be determined. However, many types of auto insurance may still apply to self-driving vehicles in the future. Here is a closer look below:
Collision coverage
One kind of auto insurance iscollision car coverage, which offers financial security if your car is wrecked in an accident involving another car or an immobile object. This coverage assists in paying for the expenses of auto repairs up to the amount of the vehicle's true cash value minus the deductible, which is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket.
Comprehensive coverage
An insurance policy known as comprehensive coverage guards your car against harm not brought on by an accident. This encompasses incidents like theft, vandalism, encounters with animals, severe weather and specific kinds of falling objects. Comprehensive car coverage is voluntary, much like collision coverage, but it can be necessary if you have a car loan or lease your vehicle directly from a dealership. The insurance pays for replacement or repairs up to the vehicle's actual cash value minus the amount of the deductible that the policyholder selects.
Accident forgiveness
One final type of optional car insurance coverage popular among Peterborough drivers is accident forgiveness. Accident forgiveness is additional coverage that can be added to your car insurance policy as an endorsement, to protect your driving record and to help prevent your insurance premium from increasing if you have an at-fault accident claim. Note: coverage varies by province.
Liability coverage
A vital part of coverage is liability car insurance, which protects your finances if you are held legally responsible for an accident that leads to bodily injury or damage to the property of another person. While property damage coverage helps with the replacement or repair costs of the other party's belongings, such as their vehicle or any structures involved in the accident, bodily injury coverage helps pay for medical expenditures, rehab costs, and legal fees that may arise. Third-party liability insurance is a mandatory policy that all drivers in Canada must hold.
Electric car insurance
There are numerous benefits of electric cars, which is why more human drivers are opting for these environmentally-friendly alternatives. A specific type of auto insurance intended to meet the needs of electric vehicles is known as electric car insurance (EV insurance). This kind of insurance covers the unique factors that come with driving an electric vehicle, like the price and accessibility of spare parts, the need for specialist maintenance, and the unique risks posed by battery packs.
Are car crashes frequent with automated vehicles?
Based on information from self-driving car manufacturers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's study estimates that between July 2021 and May 2022, crash data reports nearly 400 crashes involving somewhat autonomous vehicles. Of these, 273 collisions were reported by Tesla, accounting for roughly 70% of the overall total for this period. On the other hand, Honda reported 90 crashes, which is the second-highest number following Tesla.
Contact BrokerLink today
Are you interested in learning more about Toronto car insurance for your autonomous car? Do you need Tesla car insurance? If so, the team at BrokerLink is here to answer any questions you may have regarding your coverage. Get customized insurance quotes in the comfort of your own home via our free online quote tool!