U.S. Opens Probe of Cruise Robotaxi Braking, Clogging Traffic

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating reports that General Motors' Cruise autonomous robotaxis can brake quickly or stop moving unexpectedly.

The probe follows reports of three rear-end collisions involving Cruise autonomous vehicles that were staffed by human safety drivers, as well as numerous reports of passengers being stranded and lanes being blocked on San Francisco roadways when Cruise robotaxis without human safety drivers became immobilized in traffic.

NHTSA's crash database shows two injuries due to hard braking, one involving a bicyclist with serious injuries.

The investigation of around 242 Cruise autonomous vehicles will assess the frequency of the problems and potential safety issues, possibly leading to a recall.

NHTSA said, "With these data, NHTSA can respond to safety concerns involving these technologies through further investigation and enforcement."

From Associated Press
View Full Article

Abstracts Copyright © 2022 SmithBucklin, Washington, DC, USA