Germany's New Road Traffic Law - Legal Risks and Ramifications for the Design of Human-Machine Interaction in Automated Vehicles

摘要

Germany has very recently adopted the allegedly most advanced road traffic law in the world. At first glance, drivers will be allowed to pursue non-driving-related activities during phases of automation such as surfing the internet or watching films. This paper shows, however, that the new law gives rise to significant legal uncertainty regarding human-machine interaction in automated vehicles, with liability risks emanating therefrom both for manufacturers and users of the new technology. This paper puts forward suggestions as to how these legal risks can be addressed when designing and implementing the human-machine interface. Automation systems will only find general acceptance if they can be brought to market without unduly burdening manufacturers and users from a liability perspective.