You’re right that there are already ways in which non-self-driving cars can malfunction. But previously we held human drivers responsible for certain kinds of accidents. For these same kinds of accidents we now propose holding no one responsible. That seems to be the dramatic change to me.
We have held humans responsible because assuming a correctly functioning car they are performing the most complex and risky task, and are most able to cause problems. Likewise self-driving car software performs a complex and risky task in which failure can have serious consequences.
There's already such a thing as a no-fault collision. There's also already such a thing as a collision where the manufacturer is at fault. I feel like this stuff is all covered in driver's ed.
And there is such a thing as an at-fault collision. Is what you are saying supposed to be a contradiction? Also, I have a license and drive regularly; I don’t see how your strange assertion I must not is productive.
We have held humans responsible because assuming a correctly functioning car they are performing the most complex and risky task, and are most able to cause problems. Likewise self-driving car software performs a complex and risky task in which failure can have serious consequences.