
Uber’s Autonomous Cars Backfired after Arizona Crash

They say the future of our transportation lies with the production of self-driving cars. Most first-world countries and tech-giant companies today such as Uber, invest billions of dollars in AI to produce autonomous cars. However, it seems the company’s ambitious project backfired even before they had the chance to receive the return on their investment. Let us uncover how is Uber struggling to maintain its ride-sharing services after the fatal Arizona Crash.
Uber Experienced Problems Before the Accident

Uber acquired the autonomous driving car project Waymo from Google in 2016
The New York Times released the company’s official document stating that Uber recently had suffered problems with the production of the robotic vehicles. According to the test road conducted in California last year, the car traveled an average of 5,600 miles before the driver intervened from the computer to take control. The unnamed driver stated that he took over to avoid an impending collision. If he didn’t maneuver the car, he would’ve ended up in a road accident.
Furthermore, Uber reduced the number of employees testing the car’s quality, which may have contributed to the diminishing performance of the project. Before, the company required at least two employees to conduct a test drive. The first employee would take control back once the AI system fails. While the other employee would record all the flaws and bugs detected during the test drive. However, a coupe of months later, Uber moved from two to a single operator.
Not only that but as of March this year, Uber failed meeting Arizona’s 13 miles human intervention guideline for autonomous cars which led to killing one woman. The said crash occurred last Sunday near the Mill Avenue and Curry Road where an Uber vehicle headed northbound when a 49-year old woman named Elaine Herzberg passed by the pedestrian line. The vehicle traveled in autonomous mode with a driver on the back when it hit her. Herzberg sustained fatal injuries that led to her death while the female driver inside the car remained unharmed.
Uber failed to disclose crucial information about the driver’s identity nor her qualifications to manage a self-driving car. Furthermore, the police currently have the vehicle in their possession. They confirmed that they will soon release an official statement for the case but first they need to continue with the investigation. They also said that the data obtained from the vehicle’s sensors and cameras can determine the crash’s cause that led to one casualty.

Uber’s CEO Khosrowshahi is planning to visit Arizona in April to conduct a test glitch-free drive on self-driving cars
Uber Halts Operations Involving Autonomous Cars
After the incident last Sunday, Uber received mass criticisms from the passengers and drivers which led the company to halt all of its operations involving autonomous cars. This incident was a huge setback considering the lead development company based in Phoenix is doing everything they can to impress the Uber’s CEO. However, their dream of hitting the US roads with robotic vehicles quickly fell apart after the crash.
Not only that, but Uber’s original plan to seek regulatory and road approval by December may have to wait since the company missed their milestone. They are also expected to experience considerable difficulties in implementing a self-driving car service in Arizona., especially since Uber took pride in promoting how autonomous cars provide a safer option than manual driving. The company aims to provide safer ride-sharing services to its passengers. However, that isn’t the case right now.

Arizona Police Department is currently Investigating the Uber vehicle involved in the accident
Damaged Reputation
An Uber Spokesperson released an official statement regarding the incident. They offered condolences to the victim, and they promised to provide financial support for the family. They also stated that they were cooperating with local authorities to fasten the investigation.
This incident inflicts a fatal blow to Uber’s reputation. Some experts believe the company is still in time to recuperate the damage on their reputation if they prove to the public the safety of self-driving cars. However, they may have to wait for years before they retain their customer’s loyalty and trust back.
More in Criminal Attorney
-
Highlighting Your Transferable Skills- The Sure-Fire Way to Improve Your Resume
Transferable skills are one’s capabilities beyond the qualifications and experience required for the job. For instance, the ability to work harmoniously...
October 23, 2020 -
Want to Retire a Millionaire? Here are Three Investing Tips You Should Live by Today
Retiring with millions in your savings and investment accounts is a dream that not many would get to live. That shouldn’t...
October 23, 2020 -
Naomi Campbell is Still Battling it Out with an Ex-Boyfriend Years after Their Break up–Here’s Why
Naomi Campbell is no stranger to controversy whether it has something to do with her professional or personal life. And it...
October 22, 2020 -
The Retiree’s Guide to Getting and Recovering from a Divorce Later in Life
Divorce rates among couples who are in the 60 and over age group have notably risen in recent years. This is...
October 20, 2020 -
The First GMIT Virtual Career Fair- Why You Need to Invest Your Time in Career Fairs if You Want to Land a Job Anytime Soon
If you’re a college student or a recent graduate, you must be aware of all the career fairs taking place around...
October 14, 2020 -
Hitting Your Diamond Wedding Anniversary but Choosing to Part Ways? Follow These Tips For a Smooth Transition Into Single Life
Divorces tend to be messy affairs. They can be overwhelming both mentally and financially. To separate from a person you had...
October 13, 2020 -
Haven’t Received Your First Stimulus Check Yet? Here’s How You Can Find Out Why There’s a Holdup
Stimulus checks are checks sent to taxpayers to stimulate a sluggish economy. The U.S government provides some money to taxpayers to...
October 5, 2020 -
Are You a Lawyer Just Starting Out Their Career? Here Are a Few Expert Tips on How To Get Your Career Off to a Good Start
Your law degree has finally been completed. You’ve persevered through the daunting legal training. Your name is now signed on the...
October 5, 2020 -
Divorced or Separated? Know These Genius Hacks to Make Co-Parenting Easier and Better
Just imagine: you and your partner used to be head over heels with each other. Now, both of you want out...
September 30, 2020