Google tests prototype driverless cars on public streets
Google has started testing prototype driverless cars on public streets in Mountain View, Calif. The company has worked with suppliers to build about 150 prototypes, but only a few are on the road. The cars have driven more than a million miles on test tracks since the project started.
These prototype vehicles are designed from the ground up to be fully self-driving, Google said in a blog post. Theyêre ultimately designed to work without a steering wheel or pedals, but during this phase of our project weêll have safety drivers aboard with a removable steering wheel, accelerator pedal and brake pedal that allow them to take over driving if needed.
The prototypesê speed on public roads is capped at 25 mph, so they are not subject to the same safety regulations as regular vehicles. Google has reported a few accidents to state police in the past several months, but they were mostly caused by other drivers rear ending the autonomous prototypes.
Google has talked with several automakers about building an autonomous car.
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