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One of Google’s Lexus RX 450h self-driving cars was involved in a collision in Mountain View, California.
Initial reports indicate the accident might not have been Google’s fault however. As an oncoming van began crossing an intersection, possibly about to run a red light, a Google employee manning the the self-driving car took over its operation and applied the brakes.
However, local news outlets reported that Google’s autonomous vehicle was in fact engaged in its self-driving mode at the time of the crash. Although the vehicle was reportedly towed away from the scene following the crash, no one was injured during the collision, police noted.
Two local TV stations, KRON and KPIX, reported that the Google autonomous vehicle had been “in control,” or in its self-driving mode at the time of the crash.
However, the self-driving car was reportedly manned by a Google employee who took over its operation, and applied the brakes when the other car’s driver began crossing an intersection, apparently running a red light and colliding with Google’s vehicle.
The crash comes just after the U.S. Department of Transportation made some major autonomous vehicle policy announcements earlier this week, as TechCrunch then reported.
Among other things, the DOT called on self-driving auto makers and related technology firms to prioritize safety, and share data with the government and each other within reason.
Google issues reports voluntarily every month reflecting data on the number of miles their autonomous vehicles have traveled, how many cars they have on the road, and details about any accidents in which they were involved.
Generally, DOT officials say they want to ensure the U.S. can be a leader rather than a laggard in autonomous vehicles, while protecting the traveling public.
