I'm posting this article from Fortune because it seems so ironic that Uber's self driving car accident may actually have been due to human error after all
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IMO, the accident only happened due to the negligence/failure of all three parties/factors (automation, driver and pedestrian).
The driver should have been paying attention and doing his job properly although the video really does make it look like it was impossible for the driver to see the pedestrian until the very last moment, especially how it seems that she crossed at a spot that was completely unlit.
The automation should have been tested more thoroughly and extensively as if it can't detect a pedestrian like that, automated cars should not be on public roads.
The pedestrian should have paid more attention to her surroundings. I mean you were crossing in an unlit spot, not looking in the direction cars are coming from and more importantly, if she did notice the car then why did she think that trying to beat the car would end up great?. Even if it was an electric car and made very little sounds, surely the flipping headlights would have been a good enough indicator, especially how the road was straight.