What\u2019s going wrong<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Cruise](\"https:\/\/www.thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Cruise-SF-traffic-jam-two-1024x546.jpeg\")
Cruise’s vehicles have become immbolized, causing traffic jams. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nIn particular, the agency noted the reports it received involved Cruise vehicles<\/a><\/span><\/strong> displaying \u201cinappropriately hard braking or become immobilized.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe agency goes on to say \u201calthough the two types of incidents appear to be distinct, they each result in the Cruise vehicles becoming unexpected roadway obstacles. This may introduce multiple potential hazards such as a collision with a Cruise vehicle, risk to a stranded passenger exiting an immobilized Cruise vehicle, or obstruction of other traffic including emergency vehicles.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Three instances of the Automated Driving System executing hard braking resulting as another driver approached rapidly from behind have been reported to NHTSA. In all three incidents, the Cruise vehicle was struck from behind. In each instance, the Cruise vehicle was operating under human supervision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The agency also notes there have been multiple reports of Cruise\u2019s Automated Driving System immobilizing the vehicle when not under human supervision. However, the number of immobilization incidents is unknown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“NHTSA has learned about multiple immobilization incidents through a variety of sources, including discussions with Cruise, media reports, and submissions from local authorities, such as the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and the San Francisco County Transportation Authority.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The investigation involves an estimated 242 vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An imperfect technology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Considered one of the leaders in the development of autonomous and fully driverless vehicles, Cruise beat Google spinoff Waymo to become\u00a0the first to receive approval to begin commercial operation using fully driverless vehicles<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0in June 2022. But soon after, it became apparent that the vehicle’s software may not have been ready for prime time a month later when\u00a0a fleet of robocabs suddenly halted at a busy intersection in San Francisco<\/a><\/strong>, blocking traffic for hours \u2014 one of the problems that NHTSA is examining. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIn response, the company recalled about 80 vehicles and updated their software in September. Earlier this year, GM and Cruise asked the NHTSA for permission to use some self-driving cars without steering wheels, mirrors, turn signals, or windshield wipers. The petition is still being considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Mercedes](\"https:\/\/www.thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Mercedes-Drive-Pilot-Interior-v1-1024x683.jpg\")
Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot is already delivering Level 3 autonomy in Germany.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nCruise isn’t the only company experiencing issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A NHTSA study released in June revealed\u00a0there have been 392 crashes since July 2021 involving \u201cLevel 2\u201d semi-autonomous advanced driver assistance systems<\/a><\/strong>. Of those, nearly 70%, or 273, were caused by Tesla\u2019s Autopilot.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGoogle\u2019s Waymo started offering its autonomous ride service in Phoenix, Arizona using modified Jaguar I-Pace SUVs that are hailed using the Waymo app. But the company has chalked up 62 crashes involving its vehicles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Currently testing in Phoenix, the company is looking to expand its ride-hailing service to Los Angeles and San Francisco. In fact, 13 states are testing Waymo\u2019s technology, although state rules and regulations differ in terms of regulations and licenses required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In particular, the agency noted the reports it received involved Cruise vehicles<\/a><\/span><\/strong> displaying \u201cinappropriately hard braking or become immobilized.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The agency goes on to say \u201calthough the two types of incidents appear to be distinct, they each result in the Cruise vehicles becoming unexpected roadway obstacles. This may introduce multiple potential hazards such as a collision with a Cruise vehicle, risk to a stranded passenger exiting an immobilized Cruise vehicle, or obstruction of other traffic including emergency vehicles.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three instances of the Automated Driving System executing hard braking resulting as another driver approached rapidly from behind have been reported to NHTSA. In all three incidents, the Cruise vehicle was struck from behind. In each instance, the Cruise vehicle was operating under human supervision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The agency also notes there have been multiple reports of Cruise\u2019s Automated Driving System immobilizing the vehicle when not under human supervision. However, the number of immobilization incidents is unknown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “NHTSA has learned about multiple immobilization incidents through a variety of sources, including discussions with Cruise, media reports, and submissions from local authorities, such as the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and the San Francisco County Transportation Authority.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n The investigation involves an estimated 242 vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Considered one of the leaders in the development of autonomous and fully driverless vehicles, Cruise beat Google spinoff Waymo to become\u00a0the first to receive approval to begin commercial operation using fully driverless vehicles<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0in June 2022. But soon after, it became apparent that the vehicle’s software may not have been ready for prime time a month later when\u00a0a fleet of robocabs suddenly halted at a busy intersection in San Francisco<\/a><\/strong>, blocking traffic for hours \u2014 one of the problems that NHTSA is examining. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In response, the company recalled about 80 vehicles and updated their software in September. Earlier this year, GM and Cruise asked the NHTSA for permission to use some self-driving cars without steering wheels, mirrors, turn signals, or windshield wipers. The petition is still being considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cruise isn’t the only company experiencing issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A NHTSA study released in June revealed\u00a0there have been 392 crashes since July 2021 involving \u201cLevel 2\u201d semi-autonomous advanced driver assistance systems<\/a><\/strong>. Of those, nearly 70%, or 273, were caused by Tesla\u2019s Autopilot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Google\u2019s Waymo started offering its autonomous ride service in Phoenix, Arizona using modified Jaguar I-Pace SUVs that are hailed using the Waymo app. But the company has chalked up 62 crashes involving its vehicles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Currently testing in Phoenix, the company is looking to expand its ride-hailing service to Los Angeles and San Francisco. In fact, 13 states are testing Waymo\u2019s technology, although state rules and regulations differ in terms of regulations and licenses required.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAn imperfect technology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n