Uber has really had a tough year. I just posted a story called Double Standards and Dirty Tricks from Uber? about contradictory messages the company is sending to its drivers and riders. Now a self-driving vehicle has crashed in Tempe, Arizona.
Bloomerberg reports the crash occurred last night. A Fresco News user submitted video of the incident on Twitter:
#UPDATE: No injuries yet reported in an accident involving a self-driving #uber, captured by @fresconews user Mark Beach in Tempe, AZ. pic.twitter.com/kmizvRD5WP
— Fresco News (@fresconews) March 25, 2017
BREAKING: Self-driving Uber vehicle on it’s side after a collision in Tempe, AZ.
Photos by @fresconews user Mark Beach pic.twitter.com/5NCF2KG0rW
— Fresco News (@fresconews) March 25, 2017
This appears to be a high-impact crash. Police arrived at the scene moments later. Thankfully there were no death or injuries reported, but this certainly is an alarming picture.
I must now admit, I would think twice before stepping into one of these. My friend John has a tricked out Tesla and although it drives fairly well in auto-pilot mode, there are often times when he is forced to step in and take control. Accidents like these undermine public confidence in Uber, something the company cannot afford now with all the negative recent coverage.
An Uber spokesman confirmed the accident occurred but declined to verify if there were passengers onboard or if anyone was injured.
What do you think? Would you be comfortable in an Uber self-driving vehicle after last night’s accident? Uber must stop the bleeding: its growing pains are really starting to add up.
Yikes!
Another reason to take Lyft if it’s available.
I think you should post an honest report – you know, one that explains that it wasn’t the Uber car that was at fault.