Does driving a "self-driving car" after drinking alcohol count as drunk driving? Don't get me wrong again!
In recent years, with the rapid development of autonomous driving technology, more and more cars have begun to be equipped with autonomous driving assistance systems. Vehicles with built-in "black technology" make driving less tiring, but also raise more questions, especially about traffic laws. No, a hot topic has recently become a hot topic: turning on the automatic driving assistance function of the vehicle after drinking, does it count as drunk driving? Today we are going to talk about this matter.
What is drunk driving? None of the three conditions can be missing!
To clarify the matter of "self-driving drunk driving", we must first understand the definition of drunk driving.
According to the relevant laws of our country, the so-called drunk driving actually consists of three elements: "drinking + starting the vehicle + vehicle displacement". As long as you drink, start the car, and move the car even one centimeter, then the "drunk driving" hat is firmly on.
For example, even if you are sitting still in the car, as soon as the car starts, you step on the accelerator and the car moves - sorry, this is considered a drunk driving.
Autonomous dri
Does driving a "self-driving car" after drinking alcohol count as drunk driving? Don't get me wrong again!
In recent years, with the rapid development of autonomous driving technology, more and more cars have begun to be equipped with autonomous driving assistance systems. Vehicles with built-in "black technology" make driving less tiring, but also raise more questions, especially about traffic laws. No, a hot topic has recently become a hot topic: turning on the automatic driving assistance function of the vehicle after drinking, does it count as drunk driving? Today we are going to talk about this matter.
What is drunk driving? None of the three conditions can be missing!
To clarify the matter of "self-driving drunk driving", we must first understand the definition of drunk driving.
According to the relevant laws of our country, the so-called drunk driving actually consists of three elements: "drinking + starting the vehicle + vehicle displacement". As long as you drink, start the car, and move the car even one centimeter, then the "drunk driving" hat is firmly on.
For example, even if you are sitting still in the car, as soon as the car starts, you step on the accelerator and the car moves - sorry, this is considered a drunk driving.
Autonomous driving is not "unmanned driving", don't get confused!
Let’s look at the protagonist we are concerned about—the automatic driving assistance system. Notice! There is an important point here, "autonomous driving" does not mean "unmanned driving".
Most of the autonomous driving functions currently on the market are strictly speaking at the L2 or L3 level. Translation: These systems are only "assisted driving", you are still the "boss" of the car. In other words, you still have to control the steering wheel and brakes yourself, and the system can at most help you reduce the driving burden.
Since you are still the "controller", driving under the influence, even if automatic driving assistance is turned on, will still not qualify as "drunk driving".
Traffic police focus: Autonomous driving cannot excuse drunk driving!
Many people may be lucky: "I drank some alcohol and drove the car without touching the steering wheel with my hands. Isn't it considered a drunk driving?" I'm sorry, this idea is too naive.
The traffic police department made it clear that as long as the vehicle is started, regardless of whether the automatic driving assistance function is turned on or not, the driver is regarded as the actual controller. Once you drive under the influence, it still constitutes drunk driving!
What's more, the current autonomous driving technology is far from reaching a completely "hands-off" level. If an accident occurs because of trust in technology and the driver relies on the assisted driving system after drinking, the driver will not only be held legally responsible, but will also be criminally punished for "dangerous driving".
Real case: driving assisted driving after drinking, ending in tragedy
To be more intuitive, let's take a look at a real case.
In Ningbo, a man was driving a vehicle after drinking. He felt that he was very "smart" - he directly turned on the vehicle's assisted driving system, let go of his hands, and wanted to rely on technology to take him "home safely." Unfortunately, the car ended up rear-ending the car in front, causing an accident. The court found that the driver's behavior constituted the crime of dangerous driving and sentenced him to three months' detention and a fine of 6,000 yuan.
This man's lesson also tells us that driving under the influence is risking your life, and the automatic driving assistance system cannot be a "shield" to evade responsibility.
Autonomous driving ≠ "drinking artifact", never drink and drive!
So, someone may ask: Why can’t you rely on “autopilot” after drinking? Let’s make it clear:
The technology is far from mature. No matter how boastful the manufacturers are, the current autonomous driving technology is still essentially “human-machine collaboration.” The system may make mistakes and be unable to handle complex road conditions, requiring the driver to take over at any time. At this time, if you are in a drunken state and your reaction ability is impaired, who will come to the rescue?
The responsibility still lies with the driver. According to current laws, the driver is fully responsible for all actions of the vehicle. The automatic driving assistance system is just a tool and cannot take the blame for you.
Safety is the bottom line. Drunk driving itself is a huge safety hazard. The intervention of autonomous driving cannot reduce the risk. On the contrary, it may increase the possibility of accidents due to luck.
remind! Don’t let autonomous driving become the “accomplice” of drunk driving
The original intention of autonomous driving technology is to provide everyone with a more convenient driving experience, but it should never become a "fig leaf" for drunk drivers. We must keep the following points in mind:
Don’t drive after drinking, that’s an iron rule! Don't touch the car keys after drinking. Don't let your luck ruin the happiness of your family and others.
Autonomous driving is an assistance, not a replacement! Don’t be superstitious about technology, and don’t rely on your system for security. You are responsible for your own safety.
Alarm bells ring, cases are the best teachers! Look at the accidents caused by drunk driving and think about the tragedies behind them. Is it worth it?
For drunk driving, don’t look to “technical people” to take the blame
In general, there is no "compatibility mode" between drunk driving and autonomous driving assistance. Drunk driving is the bottom line, and autonomous driving is just a tool. When the two are combined, the level of danger will only increase.
Finally, I would like to ask everyone: What do you think about "whether enabling autonomous driving after drinking is considered drunk driving?" Leave a message to chat about your opinions, and don’t forget to share this article with your driving friends around you. Let’s contribute to safe driving together!
