Cruise Fined $1.5M for Failing to Fully Report Pedestrian Crash, Faces Leadership Shakeup and License Revocation
October 2, 2024Following the incident, Cruise reported the crash to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but failed to mention that the vehicle had dragged the pedestrian, leading to an investigation.
As a result of this failure to disclose critical information, the NHTSA fined Cruise $1.5 million for not fully reporting the pedestrian crash.
Under a consent order with the NHTSA, Cruise is now required to submit a corrective action plan to enhance compliance with safety regulations, which will last for two years.
This consent order mandates that Cruise report vehicle statistics, summarize software updates, and hold quarterly meetings with the NHTSA to discuss operations and compliance.
Cruise must ensure that all future accident reports include complete details and submit a plan for improving compliance with safety standards.
The U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission are also investigating the incident, revealing attempts by Cruise employees to prevent the NHTSA from fully investigating the pedestrian's injuries.
NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman emphasized the importance of safety and transparency for companies developing automated driving systems, asserting the agency's commitment to enforcing compliance.
Despite these challenges, Cruise is attempting to recover by resuming operations with human drivers in select cities, supported by General Motors' additional investment of $850 million.
In October 2023, a Cruise robotaxi struck a pedestrian who had already been hit by another vehicle, dragging her for 20 feet, which raised significant safety concerns.
The NHTSA highlighted that Cruise submitted incomplete reports regarding the incident, violating a 2021 Standing General Order that requires timely and complete reporting of self-driving car incidents.
In response to the safety concerns, California's Department of Motor Vehicles revoked Cruise's license to operate driverless vehicles in San Francisco.
Following the incident, Cruise temporarily halted its autonomous vehicle operations nationwide, resulting in significant leadership changes, including the resignation of its CEO and the dismissal of nine executives.
Summary based on 7 sources
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Sources
The Washington Post • Sep 30, 2024
Cruise to pay $1.5 million for hiding details of pedestrian-dragging crashThe Register • Oct 1, 2024
Cruise fined $1.5M for failing to report right away its robo-car dragged a pedestrian