Arizona Governor Halts Uber Autonomous Vehicle Testing Following Fatal Crash
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey suspends Uber's ability to test driverless cars on public roads after a disturbing fatal accident in Tempe. The company agrees to cooperate with investigators and maintain an open dialogue with state officials.
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey suspends Uber's ability to test and operate autonomous vehicles on public roadways following a deadly accident in Tempe. The governor states that the video of the incident, which shows one of Uber's driverless cars hitting and killing a woman, is deeply disturbing and alarming. He emphasizes that public safety remains his top priority and the central focus of the state's approach to self-driving vehicle testing.
Uber voluntarily halts its self-driving operations across all cities immediately after the tragic incident occurs. The company expresses its commitment to assisting investigators in any way possible and pledges to keep a dialogue open with the governor's office. This proactive shutdown aligns with the state's sudden enforcement action against the ride-sharing giant.
The fatal crash takes place late in the evening when 49-year-old Elaine Herzberg walks her bicycle across a Tempe intersection and is struck by the autonomous vehicle. She later dies at a local hospital from her injuries. This incident marks a significant setback for Uber's autonomous vehicle program and sparks intense public debate about the safety and readiness of self-driving technology.