Jump directly to the content
ROBO-TAXI MYSTERY

Uber blame human error for self-driving car that jumped a red light but witness says NOBODY was at wheel

Taxi firm is currently testing pioneering robot motors on the streets, but critics are worried about the safety of the technology

Uber

CRITICS have questioned Uber's claim that human error was to blame for a incident involving the taxi firm's self-driving cars.

The cab app's autonomous Volvo was seen driving through traffic lights in San Francisco earlier this month, where it is undergoing testing.

 The car drove over the pedestrian crossing just as someone stepped out
2
The car drove over the pedestrian crossing just as someone stepped outCredit: YouTube : Charles Rotter

Uber said a human was at the wheel when the car zoomed through the red light.

But speaking to the , cafe owner Christopher Koff claimed to have witnessed the Volvo being driven solely by its operating system before running the traffic lights.

: “It looked like the car ran the red light on its own.”

Another driver had to “slam the brakes” to avoid a collision, Koff suggested.

 

Uber has already ruffled feathers after launching its driverless cabs on the streets of California.

It's been threatened with legal action after vowing to keep its robo-cabs on the road despite safety concerns.

Uber has previously denied claims that its technology is to blame for road accidents.

 Uber has been threatened with legal action if it keeps its self-driving cars on the road
2
Uber has been threatened with legal action if it keeps its self-driving cars on the roadCredit: AP:Associated Press

It previously said "human error" was to blame for similar incidents where its cabs were seen making errors on the road.

Robo-cabs have been on the streets since September.

They are loaded up with lasers and cameras to help them navigate the streets without human assistance.

Consumer Watchdog has shared the concerns with state officials.

An Uber spokesperson said: "This incident was due to human error. This is why we believe so much in making the roads safer by building self-driving Ubers. This vehicle was not part of the pilot and was not carrying customers."


We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368


 

Topics