An Avride self-driving vehicle struck and killed a duck nesting near Mueller Lake Park in Austin earlier this week.
The incident happened Tuesday when the autonomous car, operated with a human safety driver aboard, ran over the duck resting by its nest in the popular East Austin park. A witness in the Mueller neighborhood Facebook group reported the vehicle did not slow or stop at a nearby stop sign before hitting the duck and continuing on. The duck had been a familiar sight to regular park visitors for years.
Avride, which has tested autonomous vehicles in Austin since last summer, confirmed it is investigating the wildlife collision. Company data shows the vehicle came to complete stops at all relevant stop signs, according to spokesperson Yulia Shveyko. No one was injured.
As a precaution during the review, Avride has temporarily excluded roads around Mueller Lake from testing operations. The company is also reviewing operating protocols and providing additional guidance to safety personnel.
“The trust and safety of the communities where we operate is our highest priority,” Shveyko said in a statement. “We are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the reported incident, including wildlife collision, and reviewing the available data. We are also actively evaluating specific technological solutions to help prevent similar incidents going forward.”
The event has raised concerns among some Mueller residents about autonomous vehicle safety in a family-friendly area with a lake, trails, amphitheater and playgrounds. Neighbors described the duck as beloved in the community.
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The incident happened Tuesday when the autonomous car, operated with a human safety driver aboard, ran over the duck
