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Google self-driving car badly damaged in accident but wasn't at fault

A self-driving Lexus RX 450h hybrid sport utility vehicle owned and operated by Google was involved in an accident in Mountain View, California, on Friday afternoon. Nobody was injured, though there was an occupant inside the Lexus at the time of the crash. Initial reports indicate Google's autonomous vehicle was not at fault. The accident happened when another driver in a commercial van ran a red light and hit the passenger side of the autonomous vehicle. Google confirmed that the vehicle was piloting itself at the time of the accident. When it became obvious a collision was imminent, the human driver applied the brakes, but it was too late. The car sustained significant damage in the crash and had to be towed away on a flatbed trailer. This isn't the first time one of Google's self-driving vehicles was involved in an accident, but it does appear to be the first time one of the tech giant's cars sustained serious damage. In a statement to 9to5Google.com, Google said, "Thousands of crashes happen everyday on US roads, and red-light running is the leading cause of urban crashes in the US. Human error plays a role in 94% of these crashes, which is why we're developing fully self-driving technology to make our roads safer." The United States Department of Transportation earlier this week outlined a set of 15 safety assessment objectives for autonomous vehicle manufacturers to meet. The DOT said "automated vehicles hold enormous potential benefits for safety, mobility and sustainability." Related Video: News Source: 9to5Google.com, G4 via YouTubeImage Credit: G4 via YouTube Auto News Government/Legal Green Lexus Technology Crossover Autonomous Vehicles Hybrid accident lexus rx lexus rx450h

2016 Lexus ES shows updated, US-spec face

Lexus debuted the refreshed style for the ES at the Shanghai Motor Show with a much more prominent take on the company's spindle grille. If you hoped the conspicuous schnoz might be toned down for the US version of the luxury sedan, we have some bad news. The US-spec 2016 Lexus ES looks exactly the same. The spindle grille stands as one of the most polarizing styling features on new vehicles today. Rather than soften things, Lexus' designers make the shape even more pronounced for the refreshed ES. The latest take removes the crossbar from the center and outlines the whole thing in chrome. More angular, standard LED headlights make the edges appear even sharper, as do the triangular foglight surrounds at the lower corners. At the back, the taillights feature a more conspicuous L-shape and chrome-tipped, rectangular exhaust tips finish things off on the ES 350. The company also adds some evocatively named colors, including Autumn Shimmer, Nightfall Mica, Caviar, and Eminent White Pearl. Beyond the updated looks, the other major change for the ES is the availability of the Lexus Safety System+ suite of tech. It includes a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam, and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. If all that isn't enough to make you feel more secure behind the wheel, a blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert is an additional option. The improvements to the interior aren't quite as drastic as the outside. There's a redesigned steering wheel, shift knob with a leather boot, and more soft-touch materials around the console. New trim colors include Linear Dark Mocha, Illustrious Piano Black, and matte-finish Bamboo. Both ES 350 and ES 300h models are unchanged in terms of powertrains. For a starting price of $38,940, after the $940 destination charge, buyers can get the ES 350 with a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic. For $41,860, customers can order an ES 300h with a hybrid, 2.5-liter four-cylinder making a total output of 200 hp. Luxury, Emboldened: Lexus ES 350 Revs Up Style and Luxury for 2016 Refreshed Look with Bolder Rendition of Lexus Spindle Grille Standard LED Headlights and Other Premium Design Features New Lexus Safety System+ Suite of Driver Assist Technologies Upgraded Interior Finishes Mark Levinson Audio and Panoramic Roof Available with All Packages July 10, 2015 Maintaining luxury leadership requires a relentless pursuit.

Florida police officer injured by DUI suspect after traffic stop

What started as a fairly normal traffic stop for Sergeant Kerstan Tatro ended with him lying on the ground with a compound fracture in his arm. The policeman in Gulf Breeze, FL, pulled over a woman driving a Lexus SC 430 because her erratic driving suggested that she might be under the influence. It all went well until Tatro asked the driver to perform a field sobriety test and she sped away partially trapping the officer in the car. It was all captured by the cruiser's dashcam. As the woman started to drive away, Tatro tried to grab for the keys. He was too late, though, and she got on the gas. The Lexus ran over the officer's foot and caused the serious injury to his arm. Thankfully, bystanders were at the policeman's side within a few seconds of him being hurt. By coincidence, even Tatro's daughter was driving by the time, and was pretty shaken by her dad's condition. According to the Pensacola News Journal, a witness to the officer's injuries followed the woman to a hotel parking lot and told police where she was. They allegedly found drugs in her possession. Below is a video from the Pensacola News Journal interviewing Tatro, and he gives a thorough account of exactly what happened. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: Pensacola News Journal, Ineedhelp2811 via YouTube Lexus Convertible Police/Emergency Videos police officer