Child Struck by Autonomous Vehicle Near School
A startling incident occurred near an elementary school in southern California when an autonomous taxi struck a child. The child, who was not seriously injured, ran onto the road unexpectedly from behind a double-parked SUV during morning drop-off hours. The self-driving taxi was travelling at a speed of approximately 17mph and managed to slow down to under 6mph before the collision.
The taxi was operating without a human safety operator inside it at the time of the incident. Following the accident, the vehicle remained at the scene until given clearance by the police. The incident was reported to the authorities, and an emergency call was made immediately.
Safety of Autonomous Vehicles Under Scrutiny
Following the incident, federal authorities are scrutinizing the safety measures and technology of the autonomous taxi. The main focus of this investigation is to determine whether the self-driving system exhibited adequate caution, especially considering the busy environment around a school with children, a crossing guard, and numerous vehicles.
Additionally, the authorities will also look into the actions of the autonomous vehicle post-collision. The company responsible for the autonomous taxi has pledged full cooperation with the investigation and has formally reported the incident.
Defending Autonomous Technology
In response to the incident, the company defended its autonomous system. They referred to a peer-reviewed model which suggests that a fully attentive human driver in the same situation would likely have hit the child at an even higher speed - around 14mph. The company argues that this incident demonstrates the potential safety benefits of autonomous technology in terms of reaction time and speed control.
Increasing Regulatory Challenges
This incident adds to the increasing regulatory scrutiny faced by the company. There are ongoing investigations into reports that their autonomous taxis failed to halt for school buses properly. Furthermore, another separate investigation is being conducted after roughly 20 similar incidents occurred in Austin, Texas.
The Future of Autonomous Vehicles
This incident raises further questions about the safety of autonomous vehicles, particularly in busy areas like schools. While the child was not seriously injured in this case, the incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with autonomous technology. As self-driving cars become more common, it's crucial that all necessary precautions are taken to ensure the safety of pedestrians, particularly in areas populated by children.
The company, along with other manufacturers of autonomous vehicles, will need to demonstrate the safety of their technology to regain public trust. This incident serves as a wake-up call for the industry, emphasizing the need for rigorous safety measures and constant vigilance.