GM’s Cruise Pays Off in Blood Money to Avoid Accountability for Deadly Robotaxi Crash
In a stunning display of corporate malfeasance, Cruise, the self-driving subsidiary of General Motors, has agreed to pay a paltry $112,500 fine for its role in a pedestrian’s gruesome death in a robotaxi crash last year. The settlement with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is a slap on the wrist for a company that has repeatedly demonstrated a callous disregard for human life.
The crash, which occurred in October 2023, involved a Cruise robotaxi that struck a pedestrian who had been flung into its path after being hit by a human-driven vehicle. The robotaxi then dragged the pedestrian 20 feet as it attempted a pullover maneuver, a fact that Cruise staff failed to disclose to regulators. This cover-up led to the CPUC and California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pulling Cruise’s permits to operate autonomous vehicles in the state.
Cruise’s Response: "Who, Me?"
In a statement, Cruise claimed to be "gratified" to have reached a settlement, touting its efforts to "improve our leadership, processes, and culture." But this is little more than lip service from a company that has consistently prioritized profits over people.
A Pattern of Misconduct
This is not the first time Cruise has been accused of negligence or deception. The company has a history of malfunctioning robotaxis causing traffic jams and accidents, and its CEO, Kyle Vogt, resigned in November 2023 amid allegations of poor leadership.
Cruise’s "Corrective Measures"
In response to the CPUC’s concerns, Cruise has implemented a series of "corrective measures," including retaining a law firm to conduct an internal investigation and creating a more transparent corporate structure. But these measures are little more than window dressing for a company that has repeatedly demonstrated a lack of accountability.
Cruise’s Permits: A Recipe for Disaster
Despite its questionable track record, Cruise is still operating in other states with less stringent regulations. The company has deployed small fleets of robotaxis with human safety operators in Phoenix, Houston, and Dallas, and may attempt to restart testing in California. But this is a recipe for disaster, as Cruise has repeatedly shown that it is incapable of prioritizing safety over profits.
The Bottom Line
Cruise’s settlement with the CPUC is a hollow victory for a company that has consistently demonstrated a disregard for human life. The real question is: what will it take for Cruise to be held accountable for its actions?
