Feds Take Uber to Task for Fatal 2018 Crash

Nov. 20, 2019

The case highlights the risks of testing semi-autonomous and autonomous vehicles on real-life roads.

Nov. 20, 2019—Members of the National Transportation Safety Board had sharp criticism for Uber during a board meeting that reviewed the case of a self-driving car that struck and killed a woman in 2018.

Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt said “the inappropriate actions of both the automatic driving system as implemented and the vehicle’s human operator were symptoms of a deeper problem” at Uber, reports Reuters.

On March 18, 2018, a self-driving test vehicle hit and killed a woman who was walking her bicycle across the street in Tempe, Ariz. A vehicle operator was in the driver's seat but was watching an episode of "The Voice" on a mobile device, according to the report. The NTSB also found that the factory automatic emergency braking function was disabled in the test Volvo XC90.

The board is exploring the patchwork of state-level rules governing autonomous vehicle testing, as well as potential oversight at the federal level. 

Image: NTSB

Sponsored Recommendations

Valvoline Partner Solutions

We arm you with products that build trust, tools that unlock productivity, and training that drives business performance, so you feel confident in where your...

Grow the business you know

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Solutions that drive results

Connect with Valvoline experts to increase operational efficiency and customer loyalty – from Valvoline-funded promotions to hands-on training, we’re here to...

Free Resources for Shops Like Yours

View insights, research and solutions curated specifically for shops like yours.