The use of automotive software in vehicles has increased in recent years. While this technology has improved safety and convenience, it can also lead to serious problems if it fails. When automotive software malfunctions, it can cause accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. This is especially concerning because software defects are often difficult to detect and may not become apparent until it’s too late.
While car manufacturers understand what’s at stake, they are sometimes slow to respond, especially if it is not a major defect in the software. Unfortunately, when this happens, drivers and their passengers are at risk of injury. Car manufacturers need to implement processes to upgrade firmware and prevent software malfunctions before they occur.
The Ins and Outs of Car Software
Many modern vehicles have over 100 electronic control units (ECUs) interconnected through network communication and are responsible for running critical safety functions in the vehicle.
The ECUs in vehicles are self-contained units that typically include a microprocessor, firmware, circuitry, memory, and network connection. They play a critical role in the vehicle’s operation by providing software that controls essential functions like the engine, brakes, and airbags. Therefore, they must be tested to ensure the entire unit works properly. Any errors in the ECU’s software can lead to failures in these systems, which could result in serious injuries to the vehicle’s occupants.
Why Car Software Often Fails
There are several reasons why automotive software can fail, including:
- Coding errors: When software is being developed, mistakes can occur in the coding that can cause problems with the software’s performance.
- Insufficient testing: Software testing is a crucial step in the development process. If testing is not thorough or does not cover all possible scenarios, errors may go unnoticed.
- Hardware malfunctions: A car’s software depends on the hardware it runs on. Problems with the hardware, such as a faulty sensor, can cause the software to fail.
- Cybersecurity threats: As cars become more connected and reliant on software, they become more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. If a hacker gains access to a car’s software, it can potentially cause it to malfunction.
- Lack of maintenance: Over time, the software in a car can become outdated or corrupted. If the software is not regularly maintained or updated, it can lead to failure.
Accidents Caused by Car Software Failures
In the past, there have been several instances of car accidents or injuries caused by ECU failures. For example, in 2016, a Tesla Model S crashed into a tractor-trailer, killing the driver. The car was in Autopilot mode, and the driver’s hands were not on the steering wheel. When the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated the accident, they found that the car’s software did not detect the white truck against a brightly lit sky, which caused the crash. Then in 2018, a self-driving Uber vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian in Arizona because the software that was supposed to detect pedestrians and brake, if necessary, malfunctioned.
Other examples involve Ford and General Motors, who both had to recall hundreds of thousands of vehicles between 2019 and 2020 because of defective software that caused the car to suddenly shift into the first gear while driving (Ford), and caused the brake assist system to fail (General Motors). Both issues were known to cause severe accidents.
Compensation for Defective Car Software
To prevent accidents caused by software failure, car manufacturers need to implement rigorous testing and quality control measures. They should be transparent about the risks associated with using automotive software and provide adequate warnings and instructions to drivers. By taking these steps, car manufacturers can help keep drivers and passengers safe on the road.
If you’re involved in an accident caused by an automotive software failure, seeking legal advice is important. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for your rights. Cullotta Bravo Law Group can help. Call 630-898-7800 today or send a message online today.