Washington D.C., – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has intensified its probe into Alphabet’s Waymo after receiving 22 reports of unsafe driving behaviors involving the company’s self-driving vehicles. The incidents, which include 17 collisions, have raised concerns about the safety and reliability of autonomous technology on public roads.
The NHTSA revealed on Wednesday that several Waymo vehicles had collided with clearly visible objects that competent human drivers would typically avoid. These unexpected behaviors are prompting fears that such technology could increase the risk of accidents, property damage, and injuries, particularly in areas with high pedestrian activity.
Waymo has been instructed to provide detailed information by August 6, including all instances of public road travel by its driverless cars and any updates or tests conducted to address the specific incidents cited. This step signifies a significant move by regulators to ensure that autonomous vehicle companies prioritize safety in tandem with technological advancement.
This investigation follows similar regulatory scrutiny faced by other autonomous vehicle developers, such as General Motors’ Cruise and Amazon’s Zoox. The global race to develop self-driving technology has seen significant investments, with Asia’s tech hubs closely monitoring these developments for their implications on future urban mobility solutions.
Earlier in the month, Waymo defended its performance, stating it was “proud of our performance and safety record over tens of millions of autonomous miles driven.” Notably, in February, the company recalled 444 self-driving vehicles after two minor collisions in Arizona were attributed to a software error.
The outcome of the NHTSA’s investigation could have far-reaching effects on the autonomous vehicle industry, influencing regulatory approaches not only in the United States but also in Asian markets where similar technologies are being developed and tested. Stakeholders in Asia’s burgeoning tech and investment sectors are keeping a close eye on these developments, understanding that global standards and consumer confidence are pivotal for the future of self-driving vehicles worldwide.
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U.S. agency seeks answers from Waymo in self-driving vehicle probe
cgtn.com
