● CRITICAL↔ ONGOING
NHTSA opens preliminary evaluation after reported autonomous-vehicle pedestrian incident in Tempe
- Date of incident
- January 8, 2026
- Jurisdiction
- US-AZ
- Sources
- 1 cited
- Last verified
- May 10, 2026
Summary
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a preliminary evaluation following a reported incident in which a self-driving vehicle operating in autonomous mode allegedly struck a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The manufacturer reports the vehicle's sensor logs are preserved and the agency's evaluation is ongoing.
What is reported
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE26-001 was opened on January 12, 2026 following the reported incident on January 8.
Sources
- 01NHTSA — Preliminary Evaluation PE26-001primary1/12/2026