Waymo not at fault in Arizona accident

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=KhcyTOaHdv4

Waymo, self-driving research arm for Google, has been involved in the second major self-driving accident to hit Arizona in a matter of months – but the computer wasn't at fault.

According to local police, the self-driving Chrysler was operating in autonomous mode when the accident occurred, while Waymo claims the car was under human control. Regardless of who was in command, the Waymo-branded Pacifica wasn't responsible for the incident.

Instead, a silver Honda ran a red light and swerved to avoid an impending accident, collecting the self-driving minivan in the process. The autonomous test-car's operator was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

"Today while testing our self-driving vehicle in Chandler, Arizona, another car traveling in an oncoming lane swerved across the median and struck our minivan,” Waymo said in a statement.

"Our team’s mission is to make our roads safer – it is at the core of everything we do and motivates every member of our team. We are concerned about the well-being and safety of our test driver and wish her a full recovery."

Earlier this year, a self-driving Uber test mule struck and killed a pedestrian in Tempe, Arizona. The Volvo XC90, modified by Uber, was travelling at 64km/h when it struck Elaine Herzberg on March 18, killing her instantly.

Uber has since had its self-driving permit for Arizona revoked, after Governor Doug Ducey described the incident as "an unquestionable failure to comply" with the expectation that public safety is held as top priority during testing.

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