The National Transportation Safety Board sent four inspectors to Las Vegas to investigate the crash with the “Hop On” AAA autonomous self-driving shuttle. The shuttled collided with a semi-truck on Wednesday during its debut to promote self-driving vehicles and help people overcome their fear.
The semi-truck backed into the shuttle unexpectedly. There was no feature in the bus to react to the reverse. Police cited the truck driver for illegally backing. he truck’s tires tapped the bumper of the bus. It looks like the bumper sustained minor damage.
The autonomous free shuttle gives rides in the Fremont area of Las Vegas. In addition to studying how the shuttle interacts in a live traffic environment in downtown Las Vegas’ busy Innovation District, AAA will survey riders on their experience in order to understand why a large percentage of consumers remain wary of driverless technology, and whether a personal experience changes their perception. AAA partnered with the city of Las Vegas, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) and Keolis North America (Keolis), which will operate and maintain the NAVYA Arma fully electric shuttle.
Nevada was the first state in the country to pass legislation to legalize autonomous vehicle testing, and the city of Las Vegas recently hosted a policy conference on autonomous vehicles, led by Governor Brian Sandoval, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and the Nevada Department of Transportation.
Digital Trend’s Jeff Zurschmeide was on the shuttle. He reported that a medium-large delivery truck stopped in the street. The driver was trying to back his trailer into an alleyway on the left. The shuttle bus was stopped. The truck backed up towards it.
“As the driver was swinging the trailer into the alley, the tractor portion of the truck was coming right at us – very slowly.”
According to AAA Insurance, in case of an accident drivers should:
- Stay safe. Turn on your hazard lights and move your car away from traffic if it is safe to do so. Be aware of risks from other cars, fire or debris.
- Check yourself and others for injuries, and call 911 and an ambulance if needed.
- Depending on the state, it may be required by law to notify law enforcement and submit a report after a crash. If law enforcement officers do not come to the scene, file a report by visiting a local police department or an insurance agency in the days after a crash. Having a report on file may help later if a liability claim is filed.
- Record accident details, including the date, time of day and location. Don’t forget to note the other driver’s contact information, vehicle make and model, insurance company and policy number. Get driver’s license numbers if proof of insurance isn’t provided.
- If possible, take photos of vehicle damage, license plates of all vehicles involved and location of crash.
- Call the number on your AAA Insurance card to report your claim as soon as possible. Give details while they’re fresh in your mind.
However the shuttle didn’t have driver…..