A Waymo vehicle hit a child. What can we learn from the incident?

"On January 23rd, outside an elementary school in Santa Monica, California, a Waymo vehicle hit a child. That's what we know for sure. It sounds shocking, horrifying even. And it's already giving plenty of groups cover to demand that California revoke Waymo's license to operate its cars. But the details matter. And once you start digging a bit, the scary headline about a kid struck down by a heartless robot clearly isn't the whole story."

"It sounds shocking, horrifying even. And it's already giving plenty of groups cover to demand that California revoke Waymo's license to operate its cars. But the details matter. And once you start digging a bit, the scary headline about a kid struck down by a heartless robot clearly isn't the whole story. In fact, accidents like this provide a lens through which to improve both human and robot driving-and even save lives."

"Braking Hard The specifics of the incident in Santa Monica are still coming out. As it does with any potential safety incident involving a self-driving car, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is actively investigating."

On January 23 a Waymo vehicle struck a child outside an elementary school in Santa Monica, California. The collision provoked shocked reactions and demands from multiple groups to revoke Waymo's operating license in California. Initial facts confirm the strike but do not yet provide a complete picture. Deeper examination indicates that simple headlines can misrepresent complex circumstances. Accidents involving autonomous vehicles can create opportunities to improve both human driving and autonomous systems and to enhance overall road safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation consistent with procedures for potential self-driving vehicle safety incidents.

Read at Fast Company