THE LAW AND HOW IT APPLIES TO YOU Can You Get a DUI in a Self-Driving Car?
Future Passengers may be classified as operators in a self-driving car because the vehicle has to be started by human interaction, and the autopilot feature has to be activated in the same manner. You may even be charged with a DUI if your car isn’t on but you’re in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition. In these cases, the intent is factored in along with the interpretation of the law. Where the waters become muddied is when an autonomous driving car does not have to have a passenger in the driver’s seat to operate. In this instance, it’s still plausible that the person riding home could take control over the vehicle, so certain physical control laws could come into play that would still result in a DUI. Now, if a passenger couldn’t take control of the car and was not in the driver’s seat, they would not be in violation of most state DUI laws. Currently, and for the foreseeable future, all self-driving cars require a fully attentive driver at the wheel, leaving that person directly responsible for any event that transpires in their car. Whether that will change soon has yet to be decided. Until then, safe travels — whether you or your vehicle is in control.
It’s no doubt that self-driving cars are the wave of the future. But as with any new frontier of technology, the laws governing how to use these advancements are still catching up. For example, can you get a DUI in a self-driving car? The answer isn’t as simple as you might think. History When Tesla, among other major auto manufacturers, announced autonomous driving capabilities, they either purposefully or inadvertently made sure the law could keep up with their new technology. For the autopilot feature to work, a passenger had to be sitting in the driver’s seat. The requirement meant that anyone behind the wheel was classified as an operator and could, in fact, be arrested for driving under the influence. In January of this year, this exact situation played out on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. A man fell asleep at the wheel of his Tesla on his way home. Local police monitor the bridge and were immediately on the scene after reports surfaced of the napping driver. When he was pulled over, the vehicle’s operator assured the officers everything was okay by explaining that the car was on autopilot — only, it was not okay. The operator’s blood alcohol level was double the legal limit, and he was arrested on suspicion of DUI.
Jack?
FATHER’S DAY
Where’s
Chili Lime ChickenWings
Jack and Kelly are a certified therapy dog and handler team with Healers With Halos Therapy Dogs. Jack is a 5-year-old rescue collie adopted from Collie Rescue of the Carolinas. He is certified by the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program and attained his CGC title from the American Kennel Club. Jack works many venues, bringing comfort and happiness to the young and old.
Ingredients
• 4 pounds
• 1 lime, halved • Extra-virgin olive oil • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper • Chopped cilantro for garnish
chicken wings • 1 stick unsalted butter, softened • 1 1/4 tablespoons
Thai red curry paste
• 1/4 cup honey • 1/4 cup soy sauce
Instructions
1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. Rinse wings under cold water and
pat dry. Season liberally with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil. Roast
on a baking sheet for 25 minutes or until skin becomes crisp and brown. 3. Blend butter, red curry paste, honey, and soy sauce in a large mixing bowl. 4. Toss wings in butter mixture. Squeeze lime juice on top, transfer to serving plate, and garnish with cilantro.
JACK VISITING CLIENTS AT THE CARING CONNECTION ADULT DAYCARE IN WINDSOR, CT
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Attorneys Paul Levin & Kelly Kasheta
(860) 560-7226 • 3
www.connecticutinjuryhelp.com
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