Self-Driving Shuttle Bus Crashes on its First Day
Mike Sanders / 7 years ago
Self-Driving Shuttle Bus Crashes on Launch Day
There are infamous bad stories of 1st days at work. I vaguely recall an instance of how a guy, on his way to his first day of work had a parking dispute with someone and parted with a few choice 4 letter words. Upon arriving at the office, said man found that his new boss just happened to be the guy he’d just given a mouthful to at in the parking lot.
Self-driving cars are clearly in their infancy, but self-driving shuttle buses are by no means new technology. In that regards, the Netherlands led the way about 2 years ago.
If implemented correctly, and more importantly are found to be reliant, safe and efficient, they could massively reduce or even potentially eliminate traffic jams.
Las Vegas has therefore in recent months been testing out self-driving shuttle buses. Following rigorous testing, they were finally given the thumbs-up and launched.
The launch, however, hit a bit of a snag or more accurately, another car. Yes, the self-driving shuttle bus managed to get itself into a “fender bender” on its very first day of operation reports the BBC.
What happens in Vegas apparently doesn’t stay there.
For those familiar with the Las Vegas Strip, you understand how useful a shuttle can be. There are a few key points to note here, however. Firstly the accident was not the fault of the shuttle bus. Another driver collided with it. I do imagine that they were perhaps moderately confused when they got out to exchange details.
Therefore the safety of the car remains not in question. Nowhere near as in question as the self-driving baby stroller anyway.
The Google car may have the title of ‘first crash caused by self-driving vehicle’ on a public road. Although that was a matter of some contention.
Personally, I like the idea of self-driving cars. Frankly, anything that allows me to get my gas guzzler through rush-hour easier the better.
What do you think? Are self driving cars the future? If not, what is? – Let us know in the comments!
