Cruise Penalized Over Incomplete Reports on Robotaxi Crash
[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]
General Motors Co.’s robotaxi company will face stricter oversight and pay a fine to settle claims by U.S. auto safety regulators that it failed to properly disclose information about a crash involving one of its vehicles that struck and dragged a pedestrian last fall.
GM’s Cruise LLC unit must pay a $1.5 million civil penalty, submit regular reports about its self-driving car operations and meet quarterly with U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration officials, according to the terms of a consent order announced by the agency on Sept. 30.
The enforcement action stems from an October 2023 incident in San Francisco in which a Cruise robotaxi dragged a pedestrian about 20 feet before coming to a complete stop. The high-profile safety lapse seriously injured the pedestrian and resulted in a suspension of Cruise’s license to operate in California. The incident prompted Cruise to recall its automated driving system. NHTSA also opened a defect investigation.
The agency on Sept. 30 said two reports Cruise provided about the incident failed to disclose post-crash details as required by the agency, in addition to “several incomplete reports” the company submitted to the regulator.
TT's Seth Clevenger and Erika Voss of DAT Freight and Analytics discuss crucial strategies and best practices for safeguarding information and assets in a high-demand period. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.
“It is vitally important for companies developing automated driving systems to prioritize safety and transparency from the start,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman said in a statement.
After the San Francisco incident, Cruise underwent a total reboot of the company, with founder and CEO Kyle Vogt resigning, nine executives being fired and 25% of the staff laid off.
“Our agreement with NHTSA is a step forward in a new chapter for Cruise, building on our progress under new leadership, improved processes and culture, and a firm commitment to greater transparency with our regulators,” Cruise Chief Safety Officer Steve Kenner said in a statement.
Cruise recently resumed development work on public roads in California and has been testing its vehicles with safety drivers in Texas and Arizona after grounding its fleet following the pedestrian incident last year.
Want more news? Listen to today's daily briefing below or go here for more info:
