Arizona Governor Revokes Uber's Self-Driving Test Rights After Fatal Crash
Following a deadly pedestrian collision in Tempe, Arizona's governor officially suspends Uber's ability to test autonomous vehicles in the state.
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey suspends Uber's permission to test self-driving cars in the state following a fatal pedestrian crash in Tempe. This action marks a sharp reversal for the governor, who previously welcomes autonomous vehicle testing with open arms and recently updates an executive order to allow testing without a safety driver.
The incident involves an Uber SUV striking and killing a woman who crosses in front of the vehicle. Even though a test driver sits behind the wheel during the crash, neither the human nor the autonomous system reacts in time to prevent the collision.
Governor Ducey states in a letter to Uber that the March 18th incident represents an unquestionable failure to prioritize public safety. Uber confirms it already halts all self-driving operations nationwide immediately after the tragedy and pledges to continue assisting investigators while maintaining a dialogue with the governor's office.