Vienna Convention, reform authorizing the entry into circulation of autonomous cars

On March 23, 2016, the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations (Unece) announced a reform of the Vienna convention on road traffic. The goal is to allow autonomous cars to circulate on public roads.

The concerned cars are those incorporating automated control systems in comply with UN regulations on vehicles and those granting to cede control to the driver if necessary.

This reform will help proceed to the highway autopilot step. Up to now, only the autopilot at a speed of less than 10km / h has been allowed (parking assistance function).

Autonomous cars deemed safer, should lead to a reduction in the number of accidents resulting in a shrinking market for car insurance.

However, there remains a question: who will be responsible in case of accident? the driver, the manufacturer, the software developer, the auto parts manufacturer or the government?