The dash cam, backup camera, or autonomy system of an adjacent car stopped in traffic would be roughly the same distance from the lidar as a person taking a clo

The dash cam, backup camera, or autonomy system of an adjacent car stopped in traffic would be roughly the same distance from the lidar as a person taking a closeup picture. Since these are lasers the attenuation with distance will be far less than with, say, a headlight (that's why they use them). You can't just assume, as the article does, that the inverse square law will protect you. In any case, the problem is acting as if it is the camera owner's responsibility to avoid damage. How would you feel if they mounted a high pressure water cannon on each car and advised people to keep their distance or wear a raincoat if they didn't want to get wet?