With big names like GM, Lyft and even Google exploring self-driving cars, it was about time Uber jumped into the fray. The ride-share company began testing its first self-driving car in Pittsburgh last month. The test car, a hybrid Ford Fusion, made laps around Pittsburgh as it mapped data and tested its self-driving capabilities. Uber says that, if put into use, the car will always have a trained driver in the driver’s seat to monitor operations. The car is outfitted with sensors, radars, laser scanners and high-resolution cameras to help navigate the busy streets. Uber says the technology is crucial to improving road safety: “Real-world testing is critical to our efforts to develop self-driving technology. Self-driving cars have the potential to save millions of lives and improve quality of life for people around the world. 1.3 million people die every year in car accidents — 94% of those accidents involve human error. In the future we believe this technology will mean less congestion, more affordable and accessible transportation, and far fewer lives lost in car accidents. These goals are at the heart of Uber’s mission to make transportation as reliable as running water — everywhere and for everyone.” Uber didn’t say when the cars might hit the roads for regular use.