Amazon just announced to Congress that they are working on technologies that that will use drones to hopefully deliver packages within 30 minutes of ordering. This is causing concern among lawmakers and the public about the general safety and, most importantly, privacy.
Drones have been linked to causing the following:
- Personal injury
- Property damage
- Invasion of privacy violations
- Wrongful death
Drones cause more trouble than they are worth?
Amazon’s vice president of global public policy believes that drones are offering a glimpse into the future of e-commerce and package delivery. At this time, there are no federal or state laws governing drone usage, for personal or business purposes, but he feels that it is only a matter of time before it will soon become a reality.
Drones are capable of flying directly to people’s homes or offices very quickly. These machines travel at such rapid speeds, allowing customers to have their products in their hands within a blink of an eye. For companies such as Amazon, this can be more of an advantage, as well as an asset.
Laws Have Yet to Be Implemented
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stated that they would issue official laws by next year to place limitations on commercial drones. Included in these laws will be restrict the distance and height the drones will fly, as well as maintaining the drone within eyesight at all times. Should these rules take effect, Amazon will not be able to take advantage of drone delivery as they had envisioned.
Other concerns raised from the usage of drones is that they could potentially collide with passenger airlines, causing injury, death or worse. FAA plans only to allow commercial drones for a select few. At this time, there are only a handful of companies that have been granted access. In order to have access, FAA must grant the company a waiver, and they will only issue these waivers on a case by case basis.
If you have additional questions about drones or have been harmed, do not hesitate to contact Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm, P.A. today!