Google needs to make the cars overly cautious though, because everyone is watching them. One accident, and the whole idea of a self-driving car will be called into question by many people.
Google SD cars have actually already been in a number of accidents and other hazardous situations. While we do, should, and will continue to hold these cars up to higher-than-human standard, the future looks bright for their record.
https://medium.com/backchannel/the-view-from-the-front-seat-...