Cruise Fined $1.5 Million for Failing to Report Robotaxi Crash Involving Pedestrian

Major Penalty Imposed on Cruise for Safety Violations

Cruise, the autonomous vehicle company backed by General Motors, has recently been fined $1.5 million by the federal government for failing to disclose a serious incident involving its driverless vehicle. This incident dates back to October of last year when a Cruise vehicle hit a pedestrian who had already been struck by a human driver.

Details of the Incident

Following a hit-and-run event, a Cruise vehicle struck the pedestrian and proceeded to drag her for 20 feet. While the company did report that their vehicle had been involved in an accident, they neglected to mention the critical fact that the pedestrian had been dragged, a detail that triggered severe repercussions.

The Federal Response

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) responded to this lack of transparency by revoking Cruise's permit to operate autonomous cars in the state. Moreover, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation, ultimately leading to the imposition of the significant $1.5 million fine.

Inadequate Reports and Compliance Issues

The NHTSA's consent order indicates that Cruise submitted “incomplete reports” under the Standing General Order, which mandates that crash reports be filed within specified timeframes based on the severity of the incident. In its initial report to NHTSA just one day after the accident, Cruise failed to disclose that the vehicle had dragged the pedestrian. A follow-up report filed ten days later also omitted this crucial detail.

NHTSA's Emphasis on Safety

NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman stressed the importance of safety and transparency, stating, “It is vitally important for companies developing automated driving systems to prioritize safety and transparency from the start.” The agency aims to ensure compliance among operators and manufacturers to protect all road users.

Investigations and Future Steps

Following the incident, Cruise engaged a law firm to conduct an internal investigation. The findings suggested that the company attempted to share a 45-second video showcasing the pedestrian being dragged but faced issues due to poor internet connectivity. Additionally, discussions with regulators did not clarify the dragging incident.

Looking Ahead for Cruise

Cruise's Chief Safety Officer, Stever Kenner, expressed the company's resolve to cooperate with NHTSA, stating, “Our agreement with NHTSA is a step forward in a new chapter for Cruise.” As part of its recovery efforts, the company is initiating operations again in the Bay Area with manually driven mapping vehicles, aiming to shift towards supervised testing by the fall.

Ongoing Investigations

Despite these steps towards recovery, Cruise faces further scrutiny as both the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission are currently investigating the company's practices. This ongoing investigation underscores the pressing need for improved safety protocols and transparency in the rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle industry.

Conclusion

The fine imposed on Cruise serves as a crucial reminder of the responsibilities that come with developing and deploying automated driving technologies. As the company works to regain its operating permit and uphold safety standards, its future endeavors will be closely watched by regulators, the public, and stakeholders alike.