Chilling Video Shows Moment Self-Driving Uber Vehicle Hit And Killed A Pedestrian
Video from an Uber self-driving car shows the moment it hit and killed an Arizona woman crossing the street with her bike on Sunday night.
Sergeant Ronald Elcock of the Tempe Police Department released details about the fatal collision on Monday afternoon. According to police, the vehicle, which also had a human pilot in the front, wasn't speeding, but didn't brake much.
The Uber vehicle, which was in autonomous mode at the time of the crash, was being driven by 44-year-old Rafaela Vasquez, Uber told Phoenix New Times.
The victim was identified as 49-year-old Elaine Herzberg, who may have been homeless at the time of the accident, Elcock told the Phoenix New Times. He added that impairment doesn't seem to be a factor for either Vasquez or Herzberg.
Elcock said the video depicts the final seconds of the incident, which shows the vehicle hit Herzberg.
Video from inside the vehicle also shows the human operator in the SUV appearing to look down at a cell phone before the crash. By the time she looks up and reacts, the vehicle hits the victim.
Note: This video contains graphic content that some may find disturbing
The office for Governor Doug Ducey, who convinced Uber to test its vehicles in Arizona, released the following statement to Phoenix New Times:
"We are aware of the accident. Our prayers are with the victim, and our hearts go out to her family. Our office is in communication with law enforcement. Public safety is our top priority, and the Governor's latest Executive Order provides enhanced enforcement measures and clarity on responsibility in these accidents."
Uber has stopped operations of its self-driving car program for now in Arizona and elsewhere. The company also canceled a March 22 media event about the cars.