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Some Passengers Riding in Waymo's Driverless Cars Face Uncomfortable Situations - Slashdot

Dec 23, 2024 - tech.slashdot.org
Alphabet's Waymo robotaxis are providing a significant number of driverless rides each month across cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin. However, as the service expands, some passengers have reported experiencing harassment and safety threats from individuals attempting to interact with the driverless vehicles. Incidents include pedestrians trying to enter the vehicles, road rage disputes causing delays, and unwanted attention from other drivers. Passengers have expressed a desire for more control over the vehicle's route in such situations, as the current system does not allow for immediate rerouting like a human driver might do.

Passengers have also raised concerns about the coordination between Waymo and law enforcement, especially in situations where they feel threatened. While Waymo's support agents can stay on the line during incidents and work with law enforcement, they cannot alter the vehicle's route. Some passengers, like Stephanie, have expressed hesitation about using the service at night due to these safety concerns. Despite these issues, some users still prefer Waymo over traditional ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft, citing discomfort with human drivers.

Key takeaways:

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  • Waymo's robotaxis are providing hundreds of thousands of driverless rides each month in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin.
  • Some passengers have reported experiencing harassment or threats from people attempting to interact with the driverless vehicles, raising safety concerns.
  • Passengers expressed a desire for more control over the vehicle's route during incidents, as the current system does not allow for immediate rerouting in response to threats.
  • Waymo's support agents can assist riders during incidents and coordinate with law enforcement, but they cannot change the vehicle's route directly.
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