As autonomous (self-driving) vehicles enter Türkiye, the distribution of responsibility in the accident will be discussed.
Autonomy Levels (SAE)
- L0: No automation
- L1-L2: Driver support (Tesla Autopilot)
- L3: Conditional autonomy (driver need)
- L4: High autonomy (full in certain areas)
- L5: Fully autonomous (driverless)
Distribution of Responsibility
- L1-L2: Driver is the main responsible
- L3: Driver + producer (algorithm error)
- L4-L5: Manufacturer/software provider main liability
Turkish Law
- KTK art.85: operator liability
- TKHK product liability
- TBK art.65 product liability
- Traffic insurance KTK art.97
Producer's Liability
- Software error
- Sensor failure
- Algorithm insufficiency
- Lack of training data
Insurance
- Traditional automobile insurance/traffic insurance
- Autonomous vehicle private insurance is coming
- Vehicle-based insurance, not driver
Abroad Examples
- Uber autonomous Arizona crash (2018) — driver convicted
- Tesla Autopilot fatal crashes — federal investigation
- Germany: AI decision must be explainable
Practical Advice
- Maintain caution when using autonomous mode
- Make software updates
- On roads where autonomous mode has not been tested do not use
- Keep flight recorder data in case of accident
Autonomous vehicle and product liability lawyer recommended.