Autonomous Vehicle Accidents: NHTSA Crash Data (2019-2024)
Autonomous vehicles, once a futuristic concept, are now a reality on streets across America. Companies like Cruise and Waymo are leading the charge with fleets of self-driving cars operating without human drivers. However, as these vehicles become more common, so do the incidents and accidents involving them.
Craft Law Firm analyzed data from the NHTSA database of ADS and ADAS vehicle incident reports to better understand these accidents.
Keep reading to learn all about accidents involving autonomous vehicles and those with ADAS, including how often they occur, where they occur, which autonomous vehicle companies have the most incidents, and how many victims have been injured or killed.
For more details on what qualifies as an automated vehicle, visit our FAQ down below.
Table of Contents
- Key Findings
- How Many Self-Driving Car Accidents Have There Been?
- How Many Self-Driving Car Accidents Are There Per Year?
- Number of Accidents Per Self-Driving Car Company
- Injuries and Fatalities in Self-Driving Car Accidents
- How Many People Have Been Killed By Self-Driving Cars?
- Map: Self-Driving Car Accidents By State
- Top 10 Cities with Autonomous Vehicle Accidents
- How Are Driverless Vehicle Crashes Occurring?
- Who is Responsible For Self-Driving Car Accidents?
- FAQ
Key Findings:
- 53.9% of autonomous vehicle incidents have involved Tesla cars
- There were 1,450 self-driving car accidents in 2022, the most of any year so far
- 10% of autonomous vehicle accidents have resulted in injury, and 2% have resulted in a fatality
- California is the state with the most self-driving incidents, followed by Texas and Arizona respectively
How Many Self-Driving Car Accidents Have There Been?
Autonomous vehicle companies are required to report their crash data to the NHTSA as of June 2021. The first reported incidents are from August 2019, and the data has been updated through June 17, 2024.
There have been a total of 3,979 incidents involving autonomous vehicles reported, including 473 in 2024 so far. This data includes vehicles with ADS and vehicles with ADAS.
How Many Self-Driving Car Accidents Are There Per Year?
The number of autonomous vehicle accidents fluctuates each year, with 2022 seeing the highest at 1,450 incidents. For accidents reported to the NHTSA that included the year, here’s the annual breakdown:
| Year | Number of Incidents |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 641 |
| 2022 | 1,450 |
| 2023 | 1,353 |
| 2024 (through June 17) | 473 |
Graph: Self-Driving Car Accidents Per Month and Year
The data below is from June 2021 (when the NHTSA began mandating reporting) through June 2024. The data includes vehicles with ADS and vehicles with ADAS.
Number of Accidents Per Self-Driving Car Company
The table below shows which self-driving car companies have had the most incidents. Note that some companies deploy more vehicles than others, and the data has not been adjusted to reflect that.
ADS and ADAS refer to whether the company deploys vehicles with Automated Driving Systems (ADS) or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
- ADS: designed to perform the entire driving task with little to no human interaction.
- ADAS: designed to assist the driver in the driving process.
Out of the 3,979 total incidents reported to the NHTSA from June 2021 – June 2024, Tesla vehicles were involved in 53.9% of them.
| Company | Number of Incidents | Type of System |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla, Inc. | 2,146 | ADAS |
| Waymo LLC | 415 | ADS |
| General Motors, LLC | 219 | Both |
| Cruise LLC | 187 | ADS |
| Transdev Alternative Services | 159 | ADS |
| Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) | 155 | ADAS |
| Subaru of America, Inc. | 92 | ADAS |
| Zoox, Inc. | 75 | ADS |
| Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing | 63 | Both |
| Ford Motor Company | 58 | Both |
| BMW of North America, LLC | 44 | ADAS |
| Kia America, Inc. | 35 | Both |
| Hyundai Motor America | 27 | Both |
| Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC | 27 | Both |
| Argo AI | 26 | ADS |
| Lucid USA, Inc. | 24 | Both |
| Nissan North America, Inc. | 23 | ADAS |
| May Mobility | 17 | ADS |
| Daimler Trucks North America, LLC | 12 | ADAS |
| PACCAR Incorporated | 11 | ADS |
| Pony.ai | 11 | Both |
| Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. | 10 | Both |
| Aurora Operations, Inc. | 9 | ADS |
| Beep, Inc. | 9 | ADS |
| Rivian Automotive, LLC | 9 | ADAS |
| WeRide Corp | 9 | ADS |
| Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) | 8 | Both |
| Easymile Inc. | 8 | ADS |
| Motional | 8 | ADS |
| Navistar, Inc. | 8 | Both |
| Kodiak Robotics | 7 | ADS |
| Nuro | 6 | ADS |
| Porsche Cars North America, Inc. | 6 | ADAS |
| Volvo Car USA, LLC | 6 | Both |
| APTIV | 4 | ADAS |
| Mobileye Vision Technologies | 4 | ADAS |
| NVIDIA CORP | 4 | Both |
| TORC Robotics, Inc. | 4 | ADS |
| Apollo Autonomous Driving USA | 3 | ADS |
| Apple, Inc. | 3 | ADS |
| Avride Inc. (Yandex) | 2 | ADS |
| Ghost Autonomy Inc. | 2 | ADS |
| Maserati North America, Inc. | 2 | ADAS |
| Mazda North America Operations | 2 | ADAS |
| Robert Bosch, LLC | 2 | ADS |
| Robotic Research | 2 | ADS |
| Ambarella | 1 | ADS |
| First Transit | 1 | ADS |
| Local Motors Industries | 1 | ADS |
| NAVYA Inc. | 1 | ADS |
| Polestar Automotive USA, Inc. | 1 | ADAS |
| TuSimple | 1 | ADS |
Below are some additional details on the companies that have reported the most incidents with their autonomous vehicles.
Tesla Accidents
Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems have been at the center of significant controversy due to a large number of accidents.
Despite the implication of the words ‘Autopilot’ and ‘Full Self-Driving’, Tesla vehicles are classified as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), meaning they are designed to assist the driver, not replace them.
Tesla crashes have led to fatalities, investigations from the NHTSA, and extreme scrutiny from the public. Common incidents have included crashes with stopped emergency vehicles, phantom braking, wrong-way driving, and failures to detect pedestrians and cyclists.
Waymo Accidents
Waymo is owned by Alphabet, a subsidiary of Google, and has been at the forefront of self-driving technology for years. They have accumulated millions of miles, so it’s no surprise that there have been accidents.
In 2022 Waymo partnered with Uber to integrate their autonomous driving technology into Uber’s ride-sharing and delivery platforms. The initial launch of this partnership was in Phoenix, Arizona and their robotaxis have now expanded to Los Angeles and San Francisco.
General Motors (GM) and Cruise Accidents
General Motors acquired Cruise in 2016. Cruise primarily focuses on developing self-driving cars for ride-sharing services, aiming to create a fleet of robotaxis. The company has faced criticism and regulatory hurdles, including a high-profile accident in San Francisco (see below) that led to a temporary suspension of operations.
Injuries and Fatalities in Self-Driving Car Accidents
Of the 3,979 autonomous vehicle incidents that occurred from 2019 to June 2024, there were 496 injuries and fatalities. This includes crashes involving vehicles with ADS and vehicles with ADAS.
Below is a breakdown of those numbers:
| Severity of Injury | Number of Incidents |
|---|---|
| No Injury Reported | 1,225 |
| Minor Injury | 264 |
| Moderate | 91 |
| Fatality | 83 |
| Serious Injury | 58 |
How Many People Have Been Killed By Self-Driving Cars?
There have been 83 fatalities related to autonomous vehicle accidents as of June 17, 2024. Below are a few select incidents.
California 2023: Cruise Robotaxi Kills Pedestrian
In October 2023, a hit-and-run driver struck a pedestrian in San Francisco. The pedestrian was thrown into the path of a Cruise self-driving car, which then drove over her.
Texas 2019: Tesla Autopilot Causes Fatal Crash
In 2019, Walter Huang dropped his child off at school and then engaged the autopilot feature of his Tesla Model X. The car veered out of the lane and began to accelerate, crashing into a barrier at 70mph and killing the driver.
Tesla settled the wrongful death lawsuit for an undisclosed amount.
Arizona 2018: Self-Driving Uber Accident Fatality
In March 2018, an Uber self-driving test vehicle struck and killed Elaine Herzberg, a pedestrian, in Tempe, Arizona.
This was the first recorded case of a pedestrian fatality involving a fully autonomous vehicle.
Interactive Map: Where Are Self-Driving Car Accidents Happening?
The map below shows the states where autonomous vehicle incidents are occurring (both ADS and ADAS vehicles). Hover over each state to see more information about the injuries related to these crashes.
Number of Autonomous Vehicle Accidents By State
| State | Number of Incidents |
|---|---|
| California | 1,677 |
| Texas | 370 |
| Arizona | 269 |
| Florida | 241 |
| New York | 122 |
| New Jersey | 106 |
| Pennsylvania | 74 |
| Georgia | 72 |
| Virginia | 72 |
| Washington | 71 |
| North Carolina | 67 |
| Ohio | 60 |
| Michigan | 59 |
| Illinois | 56 |
| Maryland | 51 |
| Nevada | 51 |
| Massachusetts | 45 |
| Colorado | 39 |
| Minnesota | 36 |
| Kentucky | 32 |
| Missouri | 31 |
| Tennessee | 30 |
| Alabama | 29 |
| Connecticut | 27 |
| Wisconsin | 23 |
| South Carolina | 22 |
| Indiana | 21 |
| Louisiana | 17 |
| New Mexico | 13 |
| Utah | 13 |
| West Virginia | 13 |
| Oklahoma | 12 |
| Arkansas | 10 |
| District of Columbia | 10 |
| Iowa | 10 |
| Mississippi | 10 |
| Oregon | 10 |
| Delaware | 7 |
| Rhode Island | 6 |
| Wyoming | 6 |
| Idaho | 5 |
| Kansas | 5 |
| New Hampshire | 5 |
| Montana | 3 |
| Nebraska | 3 |
| Vermont | 3 |
| South Dakota | 2 |
Top 10 Cities with Autonomous Vehicle Crashes
Below is a breakdown of the cities with the most autonomous vehicle accidents. The data aligns with the cities where autonomous vehicle testing is popular.
| # | City | State | Number of Incidents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco | CA | 700 |
| 2 | Los Angeles | CA | 126 |
| 3 | Phoenix | AZ | 109 |
| 4 | Austin | TX | 91 |
| 5 | Tempe | AZ | 79 |
| 6 | Houston | TX | 47 |
| 7 | San Jose | CA | 38 |
| 8 | Fremont | CA | 35 |
| 9 | Miami | FL | 35 |
| 10 | Las Vegas | NV | 34 |
What Do Autonomous Vehicles Crash With?
The following data shows the type of vehicle or object that an autonomous collided with.
| Crash With | Number of Incidents |
|---|---|
| Other Fixed Object | 393 |
| Passenger Car | 385 |
| SUV | 168 |
| Pickup Truck | 106 |
| Heavy Truck | 61 |
| Pole / Tree | 61 |
| Animal | 39 |
| Pedestrian | 39 |
| Van | 39 |
| Cyclist | 26 |
| Motorcycle | 24 |
| First Responder Vehicle | 21 |
| Other Non-Motorist | 6 |
| Bus | 1 |
What Were Autonomous Vehicles Doing When These Crashes Occurred?
The data in the table below is Automated Driving Systems (ADS) only. We wanted to better understand how vehicles operating with little to no human interaction are crashing.
| Autonomous Vehicle Pre-Crash Movement | Number of Incidents |
|---|---|
| Proceeding Straight | 528 |
| Stopped | 455 |
| Making Left Turn | 61 |
| Making Right Turn | 57 |
| Changing Lanes | 36 |
| Backing | 22 |
| Parked | 14 |
| Lane / Road Departure | 10 |
| Unknown | 8 |
| Entering Traffic | 6 |
| Merging | 6 |
| Parking Maneuver | 6 |
What Were Crash Partners Doing When These Accidents Occurred?
Crash Partner refers to the other vehicle involved in the crash.
The data in the table below is Automated Driving Systems (ADS) only. We wanted to better understand how vehicles operating with little to no human interaction are crashing.
| Crash Partner Pre-Crash Movement | Number of Incidents |
|---|---|
| Proceeding Straight | 563 |
| Backing | 111 |
| Changing Lanes | 71 |
| Making Left Turn | 61 |
| Making Right Turn | 58 |
| Parked | 37 |
| Stopped | 37 |
| Crossing into Opposing Lane | 23 |
| Passing | 23 |
| Lane / Road Departure | 20 |
| NM Crossing Roadway | 15 |
| Traveling Wrong Way | 15 |
| Entering Traffic | 9 |
| Merging | 8 |
| NM Moving on Sidewalk | 3 |
| Parking Maneuver | 3 |
| Making U-Turn | 2 |
Are Self-Driving Cars Safer Than Human Drivers?
Determining whether self-driving cars are safer than human drivers is a complex issue, due to the disparity between autonomous vehicles and human-driven cars on the road.
While autonomous vehicle errors have indeed led to accidents, it’s important to note that human error is responsible for thousands of accidents annually. As autonomous technology evolves and more self-driving cars hit the roads, comprehensive data and analysis will be crucial in making a definitive comparison. For now, the debate continues as we weigh the promise of autonomous safety against the reality of their current performance and the inherent risks of human driving.
Who is Responsible For Self-Driving Car Accidents?
Determining liability in a self-driving car accident is a complex issue with no clear-cut answers. It depends on various factors, including:
- Level of Autonomy: Is the car fully autonomous, or does it require human oversight?
- Cause of the Accident: Was it a software glitch, a hardware failure, or human error?
- State Laws: Laws regarding self-driving cars vary from state to state.
Potential parties involved in liability:
- The Driver: Even in autonomous vehicles, the driver may still bear some responsibility, especially if they were expected to monitor the vehicle’s performance.
- The Vehicle Manufacturer: If a product defect caused the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable.
- The Software Developer: If a software glitch was the culprit, the software developer might share responsibility.
- The Ride-Sharing Company: If the vehicle was part of a ride-sharing service, the company could be held liable for the actions of its drivers or the maintenance of its vehicles.
It’s important to note that this is a rapidly evolving area of law, and new legal precedents are being established as more accidents occur.
For help with any type of car accident claim in Texas, reach out to Craft Law Firm today.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What qualifies as a “self-driving” car?
Although the vehicles discussed in this report are often referred to as autonomous or self-driving vehicles, this is technically not accurate wording. Vehicles that are fully autonomous are not available on the market ye – every vehicle currently for sale in the United States requires the full attention of the driver at all times for safe operation. These are just the phrases commonly used to describe vehicles with driver assistance systems.
Neither ADS nor ADAS vehicles qualify as fully autonomous or “self-driving” cars.
Are there driverless cars being tested on the road?
A limited number of self-driving vehicles are currently permitted to operate on public roads in certain states for testing and research purposes. These activities are closely monitored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under its Standing General Order. Both the NHTSA and the U.S. Department of Transportation are committed to ensuring the safe development and deployment of these technologies, which are currently restricted to specific locations and conditions.
What automated features are currently available in vehicles?
Many vehicles today include features that assist drivers in specific situations, such as keeping us from drifting into another lane or helping us stop in time to avoid a crash. Other types of automated features include blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and parking assist.
What are the different levels of automated vehicles?
Autonomous vehicles are classified into different levels based on their ability to handle driving tasks without human intervention. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) defines these levels from 0 to 5:
Level 0: No Automation
At Level 0, the human driver is fully responsible for controlling the vehicle at all times. There may be features like warning systems or emergency braking assistance, but these do not take control of the vehicle.
Level 1: Driver Assistance
In Level 1, the vehicle can assist the driver with either steering or acceleration/deceleration, but not both simultaneously. For example, adaptive cruise control can maintain a set speed and distance from the car ahead, but the driver must handle steering.
Level 2: Partial Automation
Level 2 vehicles can control both steering and acceleration/deceleration under certain conditions, such as on a highway. However, the driver must remain engaged and ready to take over at any time. Examples include Tesla’s Autopilot and General Motors’ Super Cruise.
Level 3: Conditional Automation
At Level 3, the vehicle can manage most driving tasks, including monitoring the environment, but only under specific conditions like traffic jams on a highway. The driver can disengage from driving but must be ready to take control when the system requests it. An example is Honda’s Traffic Jam Pilot, available in Japan.
Level 4: High Automation
Level 4 vehicles are capable of handling all driving tasks within specific environments or conditions, such as a designated urban area or on a highway. The car can drive itself without human intervention in these areas, but outside of them, the driver might need to take over. Companies like Waymo and Cruise are testing Level 4 vehicles in limited areas.
Level 5: Full Automation
At Level 5, the vehicle is fully autonomous and can handle all driving tasks under all conditions, without any human intervention. These vehicles won’t require a steering wheel, pedals, or a driver at all. While no Level 5 vehicles are available to the public yet, many companies are working towards this goal.
These levels represent the progression toward fully autonomous vehicles, with each level increasing the vehicle’s ability to operate independently.
Which levels are ADS and which levels are ADAS?
ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) refers to systems that assist the human driver in controlling the vehicle but do not replace the driver. These systems enhance safety and convenience by providing support, such as warning the driver of potential hazards or automating certain tasks like parking. ADAS is typically associated with Levels 1 and 2:
- Level 1: Driver Assistance – Here, the vehicle can perform a single task (like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assistance) but the driver must remain in control.
- Level 2: Partial Automation – The vehicle can control both steering and acceleration/deceleration simultaneously, but the driver must monitor the system and be ready to take over at any time.
ADS (Automated Driving Systems) refers to systems that are capable of taking full control of the vehicle, either in specific situations or entirely, depending on the level. ADS is associated with Levels 3, 4, and 5:
- Level 3: Conditional Automation – The vehicle can manage most driving tasks under specific conditions, but the driver must be ready to take over when needed. This level marks the beginning of true automation.
- Level 4: High Automation – The vehicle can handle all driving tasks in certain conditions or environments without any human intervention. However, outside these conditions, the system may require the driver to take over.
- Level 5: Full Automation – The vehicle is fully autonomous and can perform all driving tasks under all conditions, with no human intervention required at any time.
In summary, ADAS covers systems that assist the driver and correspond to Levels 1 and 2, while ADS involves more advanced automation that can take full control, covering Levels 3 through 5.