An Uber self-driving car was involved in what’s possibly the first fatal accident that resulted in the death of a pedestrian after being struck by an autonomous car. Uber grounded its entire self-driving fleet in all test markets after the crash as it works with local law enforcement to try and figure out what happened. The accident took place in Tempe, Arizona early morning yesterday and Tempe police have now said that the car didn’t show any signs of slowing down before the fatal accident.
Uber’s self-driving car struck 49 year old Elaine Herzberg while traveling at a speed of 40 miles per hour, she may have been crossing the street mid-block when she was struck by the car. Tempe Police Sgt. Ronald Elcock said that she “may have been” homeless.
A safety driver was present behind the wheel at the time of the accident and police have said that there is nothing to suggest that the safety driver was impaired. The car was in autonomous mode when the accident happened.
Uber has said that it’s fully cooperating with local law enforcement to figure out what happened. Car manufacturers Volvo and Toyota both have self-driving partnerships with Uber and they’ve not yet commented on the future of those relationships.
Since this is likely the first such accident where a pedestrian has been killed it will no doubt be subject to intense scrutiny. The National Traffic Safety Board has also sent a team to Tempe for an investigation.
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