Uber’s Fatal Accident Likely Caused By Software Glitch

The probable cause that led to the death of a 49-year old pedestrian on March 18, after being hit by an Uber self-driving vehicle, was a major problem with the software.

Quoted by Reuters, the report appeared on TheInformation on Monday, but so far, the ride-sharing firm declined to comment on it, as it could interfere with the NTSB’s (National Transport Safety Board) ongoing investigation.

The report states that the sensors detected the pedestrian who was crossing the street, but the software decided against any reaction. The victim is believed to have been classified as a “false positive”, which as an object that wouldn’t pose a threat to the vehicle, such as a plastic bag in the middle of the road. This is the result of the software tuning, something that’s found in other autonomous vehicle systems, too.

Also Read: Uber Reaches Settlement Over Fatal Autonomous Crash

Since the unfortunate incident, which made Uber suspend its self-driving program in Arizona, Pittsburgh, San Francisco and Toronto, followed by other companies including Toyota, Uber hired a former NTSB Chairman, to advise them on certain matters in the aftermath of the accident.

“We have initiated a top-to-bottom review of our self-driving vehicles program, and we have brought on former NTSB Chairman Christopher Hart to advise us on our overall safety culture”, Uber revealed on Monday. “Our review is looking at everything, from the safety of our system to our training processes for vehicle operators, and we hope to have more to say soon.”

Also Read: Releasing Totally Driverless Vehicles On Public Streets Is Suicidal

Christopher Hart previously investigated a fatal Tesla crash, while the driver was using the Autopilot system, and he’s also famous for a statement related to driverless vehicles, made in 2016: “There will be fatal crashes, that’s for sure.” However, these won’t change the society’s move to self-driving systems, as “this train has already left the station”.

Warning: Graphic content below!

Tempe Police Vehicular Crimes Unit is actively investigating
the details of this incident that occurred on March 18th. We will provide updated information regarding the investigation once it is available. pic.twitter.com/2dVP72TziQ

— Tempe Police (@TempePolice) March 21, 2018