Google acknowledges 11 accidents with its self-driving cars

Google's Lexus RX 450H self-driving car is seen parked on Pennsylvania Ave. on April 23, 2014, in Washington, D.C. Google has logged over 300,000 miles testing its self-driving cars around the country. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Google Inc. says its self-driving cars have been in 11 minor traffic accidents since it began experimenting with the technology six years ago.

The company says none of these minor collisions was caused by its cars, and that it has avoided many major accidents over 1.7 million miles traveled, much of it with drivers just along for the ride.

The company released the total number after The Associated Press reported Monday that California has received four collision reports involving self-driving cars since it began requiring them last September. Three of those involved Google's cars.

Critics say more transparency is needed to assure the public the technology is safe.