TOYOTA Sienna Incident

The May Mobility vehicle (Ego) was operating in autonomy while waiting in slow traffic in the leftmost of two parallel lanes. Ahead, both lanes were obstructed by stopped vehicles, prompting traffic to move to the center turn lane to proceed. The Autonomous Vehicle Operator (AVO) intervened to move closer to the lead vehicle as another vehicle in the right lane attempted to merge left, preventing it. After the merging car stopped, the AVO pulled closer to the lead vehicle, removing any space to merge. As the lead vehicle began to move, both the AVO and the vehicle to the right immediately accelerated, while the merging vehicle moved left into the side of the May AV. Had the Ego remained in Autonomous mode, it would have maintained a safe distance allowing the merging vehicle to proceed safely. No software defects led to this event. This behavior goes against the training of May AVO€™s. Upon review of this AVO’s actions it was decided to remove this person from their role as an AVO.