The National Highway Traffic Safety Administation announced today that it is suspending passenger operations for 16 of EasyMile’s autonomous vehicles, pending an examination of safety issues related to both vehicle technology and operations.
The vehicles operate in Dallas, Houston and Corpus Christi.
The action comes after an apparent unexplained braking incident in which one passenger was reportedly hurt.
The EZ10 navigates on a predefined route without the need for additional infrastructure. An I.A. unique redundant safety system allows it to operate without any on-board supervisor in many environments.
The vehicle is equipped with a full range of sensors which helps it detects and avoids potential obstacles.
These vehicles were used on the Texas A&m University Corpus Christi campus.
NHTSA says it will continue to work with all affected parties, including EasyMile and local authorities, to evaluate potential future vehicle operations, consistent with applicable legal requirements and public safety.
The vehicles also operate in Delaware (Dover); Utah (West Valley City, Park City, Farmington, Salt Lake City); Ohio (Columbus); California (Dublin); Colorado (Golden); North Carolina (Raleigh); Florida (Gainesville); Virginia (Fairfax/Arlington, Blacksburg); and New Jersey (Basking Ridge).
