California releases data on accidents involving self-driving cars

California have given in to pressure and released data on self-driving car accidents that have happened. We've heard reports here and there in recent times, and this data drop largely reflects what we've been hearing. According to the report, which details six accidents involving self-driving cars, in most of these accidents the autonomous vehicles were in a self-driving mode, but the accidents were caused by other (human driven) cars. It doesn't appear there were any injuries of either driver in the incidents, indicating they were all minor.

The public has long been requesting information on self-driving car accidents, citing a vested interest in the technology that will, in all likelihood, be an everyday part of our future. Companies have largely stayed quiet on the matter, though, and California has resisted giving out the information citing privacy laws.

The cars in the crashes were Google and Delphi Automotive vehicles. Google recently released some additional details on accidents after repeated pressure, as well. In this case, the DMV gave in to pressure from the Associated Press, electing to release details with driver information and insurance information blacked out.

The report again drives home the point we've heard made many times — that self-driving cars are safer than cars driven by humans. Humans, after all, can't communicate with other cars on the road and are liable to get distracted or to drive in impaired states.

SOURCE: Associated Press