A self-driving car operating in Austin, Texas, struck and killed a mother duck and her ducklings on April 7, prompting local residents to question the safety of autonomous vehicles in residential areas.
The incident occurred near Lake Travis, a neighborhood where self-driving cars have been tested for over a year. Witnesses reported the vehicle did not slow down or swerve before hitting the ducks. The car’s operator, a technician from Waymo, confirmed the collision in a statement to police.
Residents expressed frustration over the lack of prior notice about the tests. One homeowner said the ducks had nested near the curb for weeks, and the sudden death of the mother duck left the remaining ducklings vulnerable. Animal control services were called to assist the surviving birds.
City officials stated that autonomous vehicle testing follows state guidelines but admitted no specific rules exist for wildlife encounters. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is reviewing the incident to determine if the car’s software needs adjustment.
Waymo has not commented further, but the company’s policy requires drivers to report collisions involving animals. The incident adds to ongoing concerns about the technology’s readiness for urban environments.
Source: techcrunch.com