0
0
Waymo’s Unconventional Behavior in San Francisco
Recently, Waymo’s autonomous taxis have once again caught the attention of bystanders in San Francisco for all the wrong reasons. Witnesses reported seeing a Waymo robotaxi driving in the opposite direction on a city street, defying normal traffic laws and safety protocols.
Controversial Maneuver
According to reports, the robotaxi company justified this behavior by claiming that the vehicle was attempting to avoid a group of unicyclists on the road. While the intention behind avoiding collisions is understandable, the decision to drive on the wrong side of the street poses a significant risk to both passengers and pedestrians.
Multiple videos of the incident were shared online, capturing the moment when the Waymo taxi entered the oncoming lane to navigate around the group of cyclists. In one of the videos, a cyclist can be heard exhaling in frustration, addressing the robotaxi as if it were a misbehaving pet.
The vehicle eventually returned to the correct lane only after a cyclist intervened and blocked its path. The unpredictability of the situation, where a robotaxi encounters a pack of motorized unicycles, highlights the challenges faced by autonomous driving technology in complex urban environments.
Waymo’s Justification
In response to the incident, Waymo defended its actions by stating that the vehicle had detected a potential risk of a fallen person in the group of cyclists. The decision to maneuver into the oncoming lane was allegedly made to avoid a perceived obstacle and ensure the safety of individuals on the road.
Per the company, the cab “detected that there may be a risk of a person within that crowd who had fallen down, and decided to carefully initiate a passing maneuver when the opposing lane was clear to move around what could be an obstacle and a safety concern.”
Public Opposition and Safety Concerns
Waymo’s unconventional driving behavior is not an isolated incident in the realm of autonomous vehicles. The company has been facing growing opposition from the public in San Francisco, especially after a previous incident where one of its vehicles was set on fire.
This backlash against driverless technology has intensified following a series of accidents involving autonomous vehicles, including a tragic incident where a Cruise robotaxi struck a woman, dragging her along the street and causing significant harm. These high-profile malfunctions have raised questions about the safety and reliability of autonomous driving systems.
As the debate around autonomous vehicles continues to evolve, incidents like the recent Waymo mishap underscore the challenges and complexities associated with integrating self-driving technology into urban settings.
Image/Photo credit: source url
