Toyota is Developing New ‘Guardian’ Safety System

Technology is all the rage in the auto industry these days. Whether its devices that let you unlock a car and start it using your fingerprint, communications networks that may soon be able to send information in advance of a crash, or new airbags that will deploy on the outside of a vehicle, manufacturers are looking at all kinds of ways to make driving an easier and safer experience.

Not to be outdone, the Japanese automakers at Toyota are working on incorporating into their vehicles new autopilot technology based on the stuff currently used by fighter pilots. The limited self-driving option is meant to take over in hazardous situations and to monitor drivers for drowsiness or distracted driving. It uses low-level flight control technology to ensure that vehicles stay on the right path.

“We humans have an inherent need for autonomy, which is much stronger than our desire for autonomous cars," Toyota Research Institute CEO Gill Pratt told CNET. Pratt said the semi-autonomous technology is focused on "amplifying, rather than replacing, human ability."

Toyota is pushing to get the Guardian option available on cars within the decade. The company is also working on a self-driving platform called Chauffer.

Protections Against Safety Defects for California Car Buyers

New technology may indeed offer a safer experience for everyone on the road, but first it has to work properly. Many news and used vehicles leave the lot with significant defects that can raise serious safety hazards. The good news for car buyers in California is that state law offers some protection.

The California lemon law requires car makers to repair various defects and other problems with the vehicle while it’s under warranty. If those efforts don’t work, the manufacturer is required to compensate the owner for the purchase price and/or down payment and financing charges, as well as other expenses like car rentals, towing and repair costs. The manufacturer may also offer to replace the car instead.

The law applies to both new and used cars, if repair attempts happen during the vehicle’s warranty period. The number of repair attempts required for the law to kick in depends on the situation.

How an Experienced California Lemon Law Attorney Can Help You

If you’re a California car owner who’s stuck with a lemon, it’s important that you consult an experienced lawyer to consider your rights and options. The California Lemon Law lawyers at the Bickel Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases across the state. We understand the significant stress that can come with haggling with car dealers and manufacturers. Our lawyers work aggressively to resolve these cases for the people that we represent.

Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an attorney.