Cruise to pay $1.5M for failing to report pedestrian crash

In the United States, General Motors' Cruise autonomous vehicle division has been penalized $1.5 million by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for failing to fully report a pedestrian crash that occurred on October 2, 2023, in San Francisco. The incident involved a self-driving taxi that struck a pedestrian who had been previously hit by another vehicle. Following the crash, California regulators deemed Cruise's operations a public safety risk, leading to the suspension of its driverless services nationwide and the revocation of its operating license by the state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The NHTSA's consent order requires Cruise to submit a corrective action plan to enhance compliance with safety regulations regarding automated driving systems. This plan is part of a broader effort to ensure that companies developing such technologies prioritize safety and transparency. The consent order has a base term of two years, with the possibility of extension for an additional year. In response to the incident, Cruise recalled all 950 of its vehicles to implement software updates aimed at improving safety protocols. The company has committed to increased oversight and will meet quarterly with NHTSA officials to discuss operational status and compliance with the consent order. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by autonomous vehicle companies in ensuring safety and regulatory compliance as they navigate the complexities of self-driving technology. The crash and subsequent penalties underscore the importance of transparency in reporting incidents involving automated vehicles, as well as the need for robust safety measures to protect all road users.