California Public Utilities Commission Threatens Cruise with Fines and Sanctions Over Pedestrian Accident
Driverless taxi company Cruise has come under fire from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) after a pedestrian accident in October. The regulatory agency has threatened Cruise with fines and sanctions, accusing the company of withholding crucial information about the incident.
According to CPUC officials, Cruise neglected to inform them that the pedestrian was dragged a shocking 20 feet by the vehicle before it finally came to a stop. This important detail was allegedly withheld from both the California Department of Motor Vehicles and CPUC themselves. The failure to submit video evidence of the collision has also raised concerns.
CPUC judge Robert Mason went as far as to claim that Cruise’s public statement on the incident was misleading, further exacerbating the situation for the driverless taxi company. The commission has given Cruise until a hearing on February 6 to provide a satisfactory explanation for their actions and convince CPUC not to impose fines or penalties.
This incident is just one of many challenges that Cruise has faced recently. The company is currently under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and has had their license suspended. Additionally, Cruise has dealt with a software recall and a major management reshuffle.
In response to these difficulties, General Motors (GM) CEO Mary Barra announced that the parent company would be reducing spending on Cruise, leaving the future of the subsidiary uncertain. However, Cruise has made it clear that it is committed to rebuilding trust and maintaining good relations with regulators.
As the hearing on February 6 approaches, Cruise will need to present a compelling case in order to avoid the fines and sanctions threatening their operations. The outcome will not only affect Cruise’s future but will also shape the overall perception and regulations surrounding the driverless taxi industry.
