The Quasi-Autonomous Car as an Assistive Device for Blind Drivers: Overcoming Liability and Regulatory Barriers

By: Dana M. Mele

Introduction: The concept of a self-driving car is no longer the stuff of science fiction. From as early as the 1960s, engineers have worked on designs for autonomous vehicles. However, in 2004, two challenges were extended that catapulted the race into hyper-drive. The Department of Defense (“DoD”) Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (“DARPA”) issued the first DARPA Challenge, asking engineers to compete to create an autonomous vehicle that would contribute to research and development of autonomous vehicles for military purposes. In the same year, the National Federation for the Blind (“NFB”) announced a challenge to create another type of vehicle using cutting edge intelligent technology—a car designed for blind drivers.

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