Fact Check: Driverless cars have caused thousands of crashes and multiple deaths in four years.

Fact Check: "Driverless cars have caused thousands of crashes and multiple deaths in four years."

What We Know

The claim that driverless cars have caused thousands of crashes and multiple deaths in four years requires a nuanced examination of the available data. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from July 2021 to April 2025, the number of crashes involving Automated Driving Systems (ADS) has fluctuated but generally increased, with monthly crashes ranging from 22 to 81 in 2024 alone (source-2).

While the total number of crashes involving fully autonomous vehicles (AVs) is significant, the fatalities linked to these vehicles are notably low. As of April 2025, there has been only one reported death involving fully self-driving cars, while vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have been involved in 51 deaths (source-2).

In terms of accident rates, self-driving cars have recorded 9.1 crashes per million miles driven, which is more than double the rate of human-driven vehicles at 4.1 crashes per million miles (source-6). This data suggests that while the number of crashes is increasing, the severity and fatality rates are not as alarming as the initial claim implies.

Analysis

The assertion that driverless cars have caused "thousands of crashes" is supported by data indicating a rising trend in accidents involving these vehicles. However, the claim lacks context regarding the scale of the problem. The increase in crashes can be attributed to the growing number of self-driving cars on the roads, which naturally leads to more incidents (source-2).

Moreover, the claim that there have been "multiple deaths" is somewhat misleading. While there have been fatalities associated with self-driving technology, the number is significantly lower than what might be expected given the number of crashes. The distinction between fully autonomous vehicles and those with partial automation (ADAS) is crucial, as the latter has been involved in a higher number of fatalities (source-2, source-6).

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally high, with data coming from reputable organizations like the NHTSA and well-regarded automotive safety research platforms. However, it is essential to note that the interpretation of these statistics can vary, and some sources may emphasize different aspects of the data, potentially leading to biased conclusions (source-4, source-8).

Conclusion

The claim that "driverless cars have caused thousands of crashes and multiple deaths in four years" is Partially True. While it is accurate that there have been thousands of crashes involving self-driving cars, the context of these accidents and the relatively low number of fatalities associated with fully autonomous vehicles suggest that the situation is not as dire as the claim implies. The increase in crashes correlates with the growing presence of self-driving technology on the roads, and ongoing improvements in this technology may further impact safety outcomes in the future.

Fact Check: Driverless cars have caused thousands of crashes and multiple deaths in four years.