The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced that General Motors’ Cruise autonomous vehicle division will be required to pay a $1.5 million penalty following its failure to fully report a crash involving a pedestrian. The incident, which occurred on October 2, 2023, led Cruise to halt driverless operations nationwide after state regulators in California raised concerns about the safety of its vehicles. The California Department of Motor Vehicles went as far as revoking Cruise’s license, particularly as the company was operating passenger transport services without human drivers in San Francisco.
In response to the crash, Cruise initiated a recall of all 950 of its vehicles to implement software updates a month later. As part of a consent order, the NHTSA stipulated that Cruise must provide a corrective action plan outlining how it intends to enhance compliance with the existing general order for incidents involving automated driving systems. Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman emphasised the importance of safety and transparency in the development of automated driving systems, stating that regulatory enforcement is crucial to ensure companies meet their legal obligations and safeguard all road users.
The consent order has an initial two-year term, with the possibility of extension for a third year at the discretion of the NHTSA. Cruise’s Chief Safety Officer, Steve Kenner, expressed optimism about the company’s collaboration with regulatory authorities, highlighting their commitment to transparency and road safety. Under the terms of the consent order, Cruise will engage in quarterly meetings with the NHTSA to discuss operational progress, compliance reporting, and fulfilment of requirements. Additionally, Cruise is expected to submit a final report detailing its adherence to the consent order and operational status 90 days before the base term concludes.
This agreement with the NHTSA marks a significant step for Cruise as it strives to enhance operational standards, reinforce safety protocols, and foster greater transparency in its autonomous vehicle operations. Moving forward, Cruise aims to work closely with regulatory bodies to ensure ongoing compliance and prioritise road safety in its initiatives.