Uber suspends autonomous-car testing after fatal Arizona crash
- 6 years ago
Uber says it's suspending its self-driving car tests in the U.S. after a fatal accident in Arizona.
It is reported to be the first time a pedestrian has been killed by an autonomous vehicle, sparking further fears of self-driving technology.
Ro Aram reports.
Sunday's accident could deal a huge blow to not only Uber's long-term business model and strategy, but the general idea of having self-driving cars out on public roads.
Uber has consistently touted that its driverless cars are safer than vehicles driven by humans.
But, autonomous cars have been prone to accidents, with some being caught running red lights and others even colliding with other traffic.
But now that a pedestrian has been killed, the technology has once again come under fire.
Police said the Volvo was in self-driving mode with a supervisor behind the wheel when the 49-year-old woman, identified as Elaine Herzberg, was hit.
She later died in hospital.
Uber expressed its condolences on twitter, adding it is fully cooperating in the investigation.
The issue has also raised questions about legislation related to autonomous driving, especially amid a fierce battle between carmakers to master the technology.
In the U.S., the federal government has voluntary guidelines for companies that want to test autonomous vehicles, leaving much of the regulation up to states.
Although there has been a gradual increase in legislation, many are still wary of the technology.
Sunday's incident will only add to those fears and will likely spark significant calls for reform and reflections within the industry.
Ro Aram, Arirang News.
It is reported to be the first time a pedestrian has been killed by an autonomous vehicle, sparking further fears of self-driving technology.
Ro Aram reports.
Sunday's accident could deal a huge blow to not only Uber's long-term business model and strategy, but the general idea of having self-driving cars out on public roads.
Uber has consistently touted that its driverless cars are safer than vehicles driven by humans.
But, autonomous cars have been prone to accidents, with some being caught running red lights and others even colliding with other traffic.
But now that a pedestrian has been killed, the technology has once again come under fire.
Police said the Volvo was in self-driving mode with a supervisor behind the wheel when the 49-year-old woman, identified as Elaine Herzberg, was hit.
She later died in hospital.
Uber expressed its condolences on twitter, adding it is fully cooperating in the investigation.
The issue has also raised questions about legislation related to autonomous driving, especially amid a fierce battle between carmakers to master the technology.
In the U.S., the federal government has voluntary guidelines for companies that want to test autonomous vehicles, leaving much of the regulation up to states.
Although there has been a gradual increase in legislation, many are still wary of the technology.
Sunday's incident will only add to those fears and will likely spark significant calls for reform and reflections within the industry.
Ro Aram, Arirang News.