Problem Definition:
As part of a team developing autonomous vehicles for an on-demand car-sharing service, it is our duty to make sure that our designs adhere to the strictest safety regulations. A critical fault in the vehicle’s technology that greatly raises the danger of a pedestrian being killed was found during the testing phase. If this defect is not fixed, it may result in fatalities when the first manufacturing vehicles are used.
This presents a serious ethical dilemma : Should we disclose the defect at the risk of harming the company’s reputation and future financial success? Or should we put public safety first and raise the alarm, which might result in manufacturing stopping or the vehicle’s release being delayed?
Team’s Reaction:
As soon as the design error was identified, our team realized how dangerous the problem was. We knew that covering up or disregarding the issue might lead to fatalities, harm to the company’s reputation, and serious legal and financial consequences.
Following the rules set forth by our professional association, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), which highlights the duty to prioritize public safety and welfare, was our first instinct. Regardless of the repercussions, the team unanimously decided that we must act quickly to report the problem.
To make sure that the possible risk was fully acknowledged, we brought up the matter internally with the safety team and top management. Additionally, we began to thoroughly document the defect, emphasizing the importance of fixing it before production resumed and outlining the potential consequences.
Team’s Recommendation:
We advise taking the following steps in light of our evaluation of the situation:
1. Immediate Halting of Production: We strongly advise stopping all more vehicle testing or production until a comprehensive investigation is completed and the defect is corrected. Public safety must come first, and no car that endangers lives should be allowed to be released.
2. To properly understand the underlying source of the error, the organization needs to start an internal review. To fix the issue, an action plan should be created with precise deadlines and accountability for completion.
3. If the business doesn’t behave properly or if we think the risk is still present, we advise taking the matter to the appropriate external regulatory agencies. These might be the legal authority in charge of public safety and product safety compliance, or they might be transportation safety authorities.
4. In order to promote a culture of honesty and security, the business should shield whistleblowers from reprisals, making sure that workers feel secure enough to voice legitimate concerns.
In conclusion, the morally right thing to do is obvious. It is important that the team report the design issue in order to protect public safety. To resolve the problem and stop any possible harm, the business must move quickly. As engineers, it is our professional responsibility to safeguard the public and maintain the highest safety standards in our work. It is up to us to make sure that people should not suffer the consequences of others poor judgments and inaction.