Google to release monthly data on accidents of self-driving car

Google Inc said it would provide monthly updates of accidents with cars without driver. The May report showed Google cars were involved in 12 accidents since the company began testing its self-driving cars in 2009, especially the participation of the rear end.

Google said one of their vehicles was hit from behind at a stoplight in California on Thursday, bringing the total number of 13 accidents.

"That could mean that vehicles tend to stop more quickly than human drivers expect," said public interest group Consumer Watchdog.

A Google spokesman said the consumer advocacy conclusion was erroneous because most accidents occurred back when the vehicle is stopped.

Consumer Watchdog asked for more details about the accident, including statements of witnesses and other drivers.

None of these accidents were caused by a fault in the car, Google said. Program manager self-driving car Google, Chris Urmson, said in May that the cars have been involved in 11 accidents.

Accidents mostly self-driving Lexus RX450h sport utility vehicles involved in Google.

Google is about to make their prototype-pod vehicles and outside the test track and in Mountain View, California, highways this summer. The company described the roadster as "totally self-driving first vehicle in the world."

Built in Detroit by suppliers of Roush Industries, the prototype will be equipped with wheels removable direction, brake pedals and gas pedals that test engineers can "take over the driving, if necessary," he said Urmson in May.