Uber Might Have Just Killed Its Self-Driving Cab Program By Killing A Pedestrian

Many might say that the first death caused by driverless technology was when a Tesla Model S driver died after engaging the vehicle’s autopilot. However, investigators have since disagreed, noting how the driver failed to respond to the numerous notifications by the vehicle to take over. In the case of a fatal incident involving a self-driving cab by Uber, however, this might just be the first real death caused by an autonomous vehicle.

The victim of the accident is Tempe-resident Elaine Herzberg, 49, who was hit by one of Uber’s driverless cabs that were being tested in Arizona, CNBC reports. As a result of the incident, the cab-hailing firm is currently suspending its driverless car tests while the investigation is going on. It’s doing the same thing with tests in other states and Toronto.

According to initial reports, Herzberg was not on the sidewalk when she was hit by the car and an operator was actually inside the vehicle when the accident occurred. The victim was still alive when transported to the hospital but died shortly after arrival. This incident is now being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board as well as by the governor’s office in Arizona.

With regards to the potential effects that this incident could have, calls for reform are at the top of the list, The Guardian notes. Watchdogs and car companies have long been at odds with regards to their views on how driverless technology should be regulated. The former wants tighter control over tests and the creation of new laws to govern driverless vehicles while the latter side wants the opposite.

It is true that autonomous driving technology is relatively new and requires further development, but the auto industry has practically accepted that it is the future. At this point, finding the right balance in speeding up the refinement of the technology while keeping the public safe is the biggest challenge.