Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog
According to some cyber security experts, modern cars may pose a new crash risk because of the use of software and modern technology in the vehicles. As cars become more autonomous and include more technology, security experts have said hackers can start accessing cars with high connectivity. According to some authorities on the subject, cars can be used to cause accidents or can even be weaponized.
Cars built since 2005 already have the technology to be hacked. In fact, some researchers from New York University have stated some car accidents may already be caused in part by hacking or software issues. We simply have not been checking for this cause of accidents.
Hackers can potentially cause cars with modern connectivity to shut off power or lock the doors. Hackers can potentially also get access to brakes and other systems, and some security experts have called on governments to address the issue.
SQS Group’s Stephen Morrow has said that manufacturers need to take more initiative to ensure cars with modern technology are safe and software is updated regularly and that security measures are used to keep drivers safe.
Who is Responsible?
So far, there have not been lawsuits stemming from hacked cars. But it’s not a science-fiction scenario. There have already been cases where cars were found to have potentially dangerous vulnerabilities in their systems. For example, in 2015, researchers found they could use the Internet to hack and take over Jeep Cherokee systems. Researchers were able to hack cars traveling 70 mph in Missouri, gaining control over the wipers, air conditioning, and radio. They were also able to affect the accelerator and cause the car to stop by cutting the transmission.
Jeep would eventually recall 1.4 million cars due to the risk of hacking, and it’s not hard to see why the research findings were troubling. In the wrong hands, the knowledge to hack cars can easily lead to accidents and distress for the driver.
What Can You Do to Prevent Homestead Traffic Collisions Caused by Hacking?
If your car is wifi-connected, your car is not immune to hacking. To lower your risk, you might want to:
- Keep your keyless fobs in an RFID key fob protector.
- Talk to your car manufacturer and read the manual to find out how to update your vehicle’s software and how to keep your car safe.
- Turn off your car’s wifi when it’s not in use.
- Get rid of On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) II Dongles and apps that let you open or start your car remotely, if you don’t use them. Similarly, if you don’t use Bluetooth or other features, disable them so hackers cannot tap into these systems.
- If the car’s windows open on their own or other systems may have been hacked, turn off the car and get it towed to a dealer or mechanic.
- Be cautious about the information you put into your car’s systems, even if it’s convenient. Do you really need to use your full name so your car can greet you by name when you listen to music?
If you have been injured in a car accident in Homestead or your community and you think it may have been caused by a manufacturing defect or liability, call Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free accident consultation with a Homestead car accident attorney to discuss your options.