Uber Safety Driver was Watching Hulu Prior to Fatal Tempe Crash
Uber Safety Driver was Watching Hulu Prior to Fatal Tempe Crash

Investigations into the fatal self-driving Uber crash in Tempe, Arizona have revealed that the Uber safety driver was streaming a program on her phone just before the crash occurred.

Records from Hulu showed that the safety driver, Rafaela Vasquez, was streaming an episode of “The Voice” via Hulu on her device up until the moment of the crash. Video footage from inside the Uber also shows Vasquez looking down for much of the trip. She was reportedly distracted for about a third of the time during the trip before the car hit the pedestrian.

According to the preliminary report, the autonomous vehicle’s sensors saw the pedestrian, Elaine Herzberg, on the road. However, the sensors did not recognize her as an object to be avoided, so the vehicle did not take evasive action. According to police, the safety driver could have done so, and the fatal accident could have been avoided. Police say the driver could face vehicular manslaughter charges.

Uber Will Increase Training for Safety Drivers

Uber says they have a strict policy against mobile device usage by their safety drivers. They are expected to give the road their full attention, so they can react if the self-driving system fails. In response to the incident, the company says it will bolster its safety training.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, El Centro, and Yucca Valley, and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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