Google Wimps Out and Includes Steering Wheels on Driver-less Cars!

What?!? Come guys, stand up to the man! Ah well, it is only during the “Testing Phase.”

Google to equip its driverless cars with steering wheels during testing phase

French Tribune – By: Bruce Totolos – “According to a statement issued by Google, the company’s driverless cars will be fitted with steering wheels during the testing phase.

About the addition of steering wheels to its driverless cars, Google said that the move comes in compliance with new California regulations – to be effective from September 16 – which necessitate that there should be a mechanism in place to take immediate physical control of a driverless car on public roads if required.

As such, to comply with the new regulations, Google will not just add steering wheels to its driverless cars while testing them, but will also equip these cars with brake and accelerator pedals.

Going by the information shared by Google, which has been testing its driverless cars for quite a while now, the company plans to build in a small temporary steering wheel and pedal system to continue the tests of its driverless cars on public roads.

In reference to the move to equip its driverless cars in adherence to the new regulations, Google said in a recent statement to NBC News: ‘During our testing we are equipping the vehicles with manual controls such as a steering wheel, brake pedal, and accelerator pedal. With these additions, our safety drivers can test the self-driving features, while having the ability to take control of the vehicle if necessary.'”