Google’s Self-Driving Car Involved in Fender-Bender with Bus

Even though the technology behind ‘self-driving’ cars has been around for a while now, and though it only continues to improve in step with refinements and adjustments galore, it’s perhaps only reasonable to assume these autonomous automobiles — many of which are currently in the road testing phase, mind you — would encounter some kind of trouble while out on the open road, right?

As a matter of fact, a U.S.A. Today study published late last October found that, “even though they haven’t been at fault, self-driving test cars are involved in crashes at [approximately] five times the rate of conventional cars.”

That’s a scary thought to entertain, isn’t it? I mean, when you think about the number of traffic accidents that occur on any given day in the United States, and then multiply that by five, the shocking reality almost makes you want to stay home and just order pizza instead of going out, huh?

Of course, the statistics should improve as the technology powering self-driving cars also improves, right? Also, not to mention, we have to consider the fact that most states will likely pass laws, if they haven’t already, requiring a human to be behind the wheel of any autonomous vehicle while it’s in motion..

Even still, accidents happen — there’s really no sense in trying to circumvent that indisputable fact of life, especially when we’re talking about technology. And, so it seems, Google has recently learned that invaluable lesson the hard way.

The Mountain View-based search giant recently had to file an accident report with the state of California Department of Motor Vehicles, in which it confirmed that one of its autonomous vehicles — a ritzy Lexus RX450h, mind you — collided with a bus not far from the company’s Silicon Valley headquarters.

According to the paperwork filed with the DMV, the collision occurred when the robotized SUV needed to shift into the center lane to make a right turn around some sand bags. Unfortunately, both the vehicle and its test driver incorrectly assumed that a bus, which was rapidly approaching from behind, would slow down or stop to let the car squeeze by. Unfortunately, however, the Lexus hybrid smacked into the side of the bus — albeit at a relatively low speed, damaging its front fender, the front wheels, and the autonomous sensors in the process.

Fortunately for Google, though — (as well as both the company’s car AND test driver), this was just a minor incident, in which there were no injuries. However, this would be the first instance wherein one of Google’s self-branded, self-driving luxury cars caused an accident while out on the road.

Even still, the Mountain View, California search giant no longer has the bragging rights to say their Google-mobile is an invincible, delicate little swan while out on the road. Of course, while this wasn’t exactly a glitch, per se, the company’s software ultimately made a decision that led to a crash — however minor it was.

What can we (and Google, especially) take away as a lesson to learn from all of this? Well, if anything, it’d probably be that — until self-driving cars can autonomously anticipate every feasible, road-related uncertainty — there’s almost surely going to be at least some chance they’ll wind up making choices with unexpected consequences.

However, as we progress into the future — with both Google, Apple, and other big players working to refine their respective self-driving car mechanisms, I’m sure the unanimous hope is that this early stage in the game is merely full of lessons to be learned, which will ultimately lead to the safest and most trusted products.

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