2015 was a very big year for technology. Although it’s exciting to see how many new changes technology is making possible, all of these new developments aren’t without their downsides. Drones were a specific type of technology that absolutely exploded during the last year. Companies like Amazon are already putting large amounts of research money into figuring out how to use these machines for deliveries. In addition to many companies being very interested in drones, these devices have seen widespread usage across consumers.
What Exactly is a Drone?
Before we get into the significant risks that are associated with drones, we want to define exactly what this term means. As with other new types of technology like hoverboards, the term drone refers to a broad category of devices. The most comprehensive definition of drones asserts that these are unmanned aircrafts that can be operated by a remote control or programmed to fly a specific route without an operator. These devices come in a wide range of sizes.
There are several reasons why drones saw such a surge in popularity over the last 12 months. One of those reasons is the novelty factor. Another reason is that it’s possible to attach a cell phone or video camera to many drone models. This makes the devices perfect for shooting videos and then sharing them on social media sites. Drones have also seen a much wider adoption due to falling prices. While there are plenty of models that are still quite expensive, manufacturers are making smaller and cheaper models specifically for the consumer market.
Why Are Drones Dangerous?
Although there’s no denying the cool factor that goes along with flying a drone, that doesn’t change the fact that these devices can be quite dangerous. When a drone is operated by someone with considerable aviation skill and knowledge, the risk of a serious injury is minimal. But when this device is put in the hands of someone who doesn’t really know what they’re doing, it’s easy to see how it creates a situation that’s prime for something to go wrong. That’s even more true when you take into account issues like drone operators losing control if their machine goes out of range.
Personal injury lawyers in Phoenix aren’t the only ones who have realized the potential dangers of drones. The FAA recently announced that drone owners must register their devices. So while it’s unlikely that drones will be banned across the board, more restrictions and regulations around these devices are basically guaranteed.
In the meantime, experts predict that hundreds of thousands of drones will be sold during the holiday season. That makes it very likely that injuries caused by drones will see an uptick in 2016. If you’re involved in an injury involving a drone or another new form of technology like a hoverboard, your best course of action is to contact a personal injury lawyer in Phoenix. Having a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer will give you an opportunity to review the details of your situation and find out what you should do next.