The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a special investigation into a Cruise autonomous vehicle crash.
According to TechCrunch, the NHTSA inquiry started in June.
The NHTSA special crash investigation program is leading the inquiry.
The group examines cases with outcomes or circumstances that will be helpful to the NHTSA from an engineering perspective.
The crash in question happened on June 3 when a Cruise vehicle hit a Toyota Prius in San Francisco. Occupants of both vehicles sustained injuries.
As per reporting at the time, the Cruise car turned left in front of the incoming Prius at an intersection in downtown San Francisco.
However, Cruise officials noted the following about the accident:
- The Cruise vehicle was making a left-hand turn and stopped before proceeding with the turn.
- The Cruise vehicle was sitting still at the time of the crash.
- The Prius was in a right-hand turning lane but went straight.
- The Prius was speeding.
However, the San Francisco Police could not confirm these details as an incident report was either unavailable or never completed in the first place.
In an emailed response, a Cruise spokesperson confirmed the inquiry.
NHTSA has not opened a formal investigation into Cruise for this or any other incident. An office within the agency has collected routine information, which we have provided.
The NHTSA did not confirm the probe, nor did they indicate if a formal investigation was on the horizon.
