Gov. Ducey suspends Uber’s autonomous testing

Carmen Forman//March 26, 2018

Gov. Doug Ducey welcomes Uber's driverless test vehicles to Arizona in 2016, saying he wanted to promote the technology with limited state regulation. (Capitol Media Services file photo by Howard Fischer) — Gov. Doug Ducey welcomes Uber’s driverless test vehicles to Arizona in 2016, saying he wanted to promote the technology with limited state regulation. (Capitol Media Services file photo by Howard Fischer)

Gov. Doug Ducey has suspended Uber’s ability to operate self-driving cars in Arizona after a pedestrian was killed by an autonomous vehicle operated by the technology company.

Ducey informed Uber’s CEO today of the suspension after viewing video of the fatal incident that took place over a week ago. A champion of autonomous vehicle research, Ducey said he found the video to be “disturbing and alarming.”

Uber has already halted use of its autonomous vehicles, having done so one day after the fatal incident.

“It raises many questions about the ability of Uber to continue testing in Arizona,” he wrote.

Ducey directed the Arizona Department of Transportation to suspend the company’s ability to test and operate self-driving cars, according to a letter he penned to Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are still investigating the incident that occurred around 10 p.m. March 18 in Tempe in which a self-driving Uber car struck 49-year-old Elaine Herzberg as she was walking her bike across the street.

“We continue to help investigators in any way we can,” the company said in a press statement. “We’ll keep a dialog open with the governor’s office to address any concerns they have.”

This is the first death caused by a self-driving vehicle.

Uber rose to popularity as a ridesharing service, and as an alternative to taxi cabs.

Howard Fischer of Capitol Media Services contributed to this report.