Witness says self-driving Uber ran red light on its own, disputing Uber's claims

Company insists traffic violations in San Francisco are the result of 'human error' by drivers who can take control if needed, but witness account contradicts this

An autonomous Uber malfunctioned while in "self-driving mode" and caused a near collision in San Francisco, according to a business owner whose account raises new safety concerns about the unregulated technology launch.

The self-driving car - which Uber introduced without permits, as part of a testing program that California has deemed illegal - accelerated into an intersection while the light was still red and while the automation technology was clearly controlling the car, said Christopher Koff, owner of local cafe AK Subs.