US Agency Asks Waymo for Answers in Self-Driving Vehicle Probe
The NHTSA is requesting additional information from Waymo on events involving their self-driving vehicles. The agency is concerned that the vehicles are exhibiting unusual driving behaviours, which could increase the danger of accidents and injury. Waymo has been requested to disclose detailed information on all travel on public roadways, including any testing or updates.
The inquiry was launched in May after the NHTSA received 22 allegations of Waymo's robotaxis behaving in ways that potentially violated traffic safety laws or exhibited unexpected behaviour, including 17 collisions. The agency stated that some of these occurrences involved collisions with clearly visible objects that a qualified human driver would have avoided.
In an effort to acquire more information, the NHTSA has asked Waymo to reply to a series of extensive questions by August 6. The agency is particularly interested in learning about Waymo's driverless car travel on public roads, including any occasions when the vehicles were grounded and any testing or improvements made in response to specific occurrences.
The NHTSA has received reports of crashes with stationary and semi-stationary items, such as gates and chains, as well as collisions with parked automobiles. Furthermore, there were instances where the automated driving system appeared to disregard traffic safety measures.
Waymo has yet to comment on the matter. However, earlier this month, the firm took pleasure in its performance and safety record, citing millions of autonomous miles travelled without incident.
The NHTSA is concerned that Waymo's self-driving vehicles would exhibit unexpected driving behaviours, increasing the danger of crashes, property damage, and injuries. Many of the incidents happened in close proximity to other road users, including pedestrians.
This NHTSA study is part of a larger probe into the performance of self-driving vehicles. Previously, the government launched inquiries into General Motors Cruise and Amazon.com Zoox.
The current investigation is the initial stage, and if the NHTSA determines that the vehicles pose an unreasonable risk to safety, it has the authority to demand a recall.
In February, Waymo recalled 444 self-driving vehicles following two minor collisions in Arizona. The company cited a software error that could result in the vehicles inaccurately predicting the movement of a towed vehicle.
The NHTSA is seeking additional information from Waymo regarding incidents involving their self-driving vehicles.
The agency is concerned about the vehicles exhibiting unexpected driving behaviors that may increase the risk of crashes and injuries.
Waymo has been asked to provide comprehensive details of all travel on public roads, including any testing or updates conducted.
Source: REUTERS