How can self-driving cars 'see' in the rain, snow and fog? A team of electrical engineers at University of California, San Diego is working on technology to help self-driving cars navigate safely in inclement weather. Author: Chaffin Mitchell (AccuWeather) Updated: 11:37 AM CST January 8, 2021 Just like with any new technology, autonomous cars have faced their fair share of speed bumps from concept to product, especially when it comes to navigating in inclement weather. Recent developments in autonomous car technology, however, could be the solution to this problem. Similar to human drivers, self-driving vehicles can have trouble "seeing" in inclement weather such as rain or fog. The car's sensors can be blocked by snow, ice or torrential downpours, and their ability to "read" road signs and markings can be impaired.