Google Executive Admits Self-Driving Technology 'Will Never Be Perfect'
Lawmakers debated the safety and regulatory future of self-driving cars today and vowed that the U.S. would lead the world in automated vehicle technology.
Executives at General Motors and Google X testified that safety is a top priority as the technology for self-driving cars advances.
Chris Urmson, director of Google X's self-driving car project, argues that these cars are important, serving in-need communities, such as drivers with disabilities. He urged Congress to give Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx authority to approve new technologies that may improve road safety when it comes to distracted driving.
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Urmson explained that Google is working closely with Foxx's team and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about regulation of these vehicles.
"When we look at the 38,000 people that NHTSA estimates were killed last year on America's roads, it's really an unacceptable status quo," Urmson said. "And there's so much opportunity to do good here. Now the technology will never be perfect, but the opportunity to reduce those accidents and those tragedies is incredible
