The Mechanism of a Traffic Accident Involving an Unmanned Vehicle: Statement of the Problem

Abstract

The paper attempts to make a model mechanism of a traffic accident involving an unmanned vehicle to solve a number of criminological, criminal-legal and criminalistic problems using the characteristics of the traffic crime mechanism available in theory. Its elements (vehicle, information system and situation) are highlighted, the contents are disclosed, the role of each of them in the etiology of a transport accident is shown. It is noted that the personal factor is not included in the mechanism of a traffic accident; this must be taken into account when criminalizing the corresponding act, which consists not in violating traffic rules, but in low-quality special software. It is stated that in the mechanism of a transport accident, the information system is of fundamental importance, combining the role of both the driver and the information system itself, which is necessary to ensure the safe functioning of a mechanical vehicle. Because of this, it is not necessary to study the reliability of the information system, but the impact of information support on the safety of a highly automated vehicle. Of particular importance is the problem of the so-called uncertainty characterizing the state of the information system. The authors determine the ways of further research of the mechanism under consideration based on the so-called security threat map for the operation of an unmanned vehicle in the context of possibility of interference in their work from the outside (In the software system, by affecting the road infrastructure, etc.).