Waymo Robotaxis Struggle on July 4, Snarl Traffic and Catch Fire
Waymo's driverless robotaxis experienced a series of malfunctions and accidents on July 4, causing traffic congestion and catching fire in San Francisco. The incidents were attributed to severe congestion, a flood of travelers, and unplanned road closures. The company has since contacted riders and assured there were no injuries or damage.
Key points
- Waymo's robotaxis ran out of charge and stalled in traffic for hours in San Francisco, causing gridlock and congestion.
- At least two Waymos drove over fireworks lit in the road, with one catching fire on Connecticut Street in San Francisco.
- San Francisco fire crews fielded over 500 calls that night, and drivers in Atlanta filmed themselves stuck behind frozen Waymos.
- Waymo attributed the incidents to severe congestion, a flood of travelers, and unplanned road closures near the fireworks.
- The company has since contacted riders and assured there were no injuries or damage.
Waymo's driverless robotaxis experienced a series of malfunctions and accidents on July 4, causing traffic congestion and catching fire in San Francisco. The incidents were attributed to severe congestion, a flood of travelers, and unplanned road closures.
According to reports, dozens of Waymo cars stalled in the gridlock after the Golden Gate Bridge fireworks, with several running out of battery and requiring towing. One resident claimed to have sat in traffic for two hours, while people climbed out of their cars to yell at the empty vehicles.
The situation took a strange turn when at least two Waymos drove over fireworks lit in the road, with one catching fire on Connecticut Street in San Francisco. A passenger filmed her Waymo rolling over a lit firework at a four-way stop, with a rider asking 'Are we on fire, dude?' in the clip.
Waymo has since contacted the rider and assured that there were no injuries or damage. The company attributed the incidents to the severe congestion and unplanned road closures near the fireworks.
The trouble reached beyond California, too, with drivers in Atlanta filming themselves stuck behind frozen Waymos. The incidents have sparked concerns about the reliability and safety of driverless technology.
Sources
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