Uber, a ride-sharing company, has expanded into new areas such as self-driving cars and food delivery. A self-driving car operated by Uber struck and killed a pedestrian in Tempe, Arizona. It was the first pedestrian death involving a vehicle that was self-driving. There was a driver in the car in case of an emergency, however, the accident was not avoided. Listen to hear how this accident might affect new laws related to safety and self-driving cars, as well as the factors involved in this tragic accident and then debate: Are self-driving cars safe?

Listening Comprehension Questions

• What were the circumstances of this fatal accident?
• Why was it noted that a human driver was in the self-driving car?
• Why was this new technology tested on public roads?
• How might this accident affect new laws about self-driving cars?

Discussion Themes

• Do you think human error can be eliminated if self-driving cars are perfected?
• Debate: Are self-driving cars safe?

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