Waymo’s Driverless Car Incident Raises Safety Concerns in LA

A recent incident involving a driverless vehicle from Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, has sparked renewed concerns about the safety of autonomous cars. The event occurred on March 10, 2024, at approximately 03:40 a.m. at the intersection of Broadway and First Street in Los Angeles, outside Times Mirror Square. During a police operation, a Waymo vehicle failed to adhere to officers’ instructions, making a right turn when directed to turn left.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, according to both Waymo and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Eyewitnesses captured the incident on video, which showed the unmanned vehicle entering the scene of a police restraint operation. Officers, initially drawn to the vehicle’s unexpected presence, approached it with their weapons drawn, only to discover it was a self-driving taxi without a human operator.

15 seconds of confusion ensued as the Waymo vehicle remained stationary for over 15 seconds. In a statement, a Waymo spokesperson emphasized that the company prioritizes safety for both passengers and pedestrians. The spokesperson noted, “When we encounter unusual events like this, we learn from them to continue improving road safety and operating in dynamic cities.”

Waymo’s Response and Future Plans

The incident has not resulted in any fines, as the vehicle was not operated by a human driver at the time. Waymo has pledged to address the technical issues that led to the vehicle’s erratic behavior. This incident marks yet another chapter in a series of challenges faced by Waymo. Since launching its public service in November 2024, the company has experienced several notable incidents, including a previous incident in June when a user reportedly sent multiple driverless cars down a dead-end street in San Francisco as a prank.

Despite the setbacks, Waymo continues to expand its operations. Currently, the company has services running in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Phoenix. Plans are underway to extend services to Miami, Orlando, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Detroit.

Previous Incidents and Public Perception

The recent incident in Los Angeles is part of a broader trend, as autonomous vehicles from various companies have encountered challenges in urban environments. In June, five Waymo vehicles were set ablaze by protesters in Los Angeles, and another incident in September involved a driverless car making an illegal turn in front of police during a DUI checkpoint.

While Waymo claims its self-driving vehicles have traversed over 160 million kilometers without fatalities, these incidents have raised questions about public confidence in driverless technology. As the company gears up to offer highway rides, it faces the dual challenge of ensuring safety while expanding its services.

Waymo’s commitment to learning from each incident underscores the complexities of integrating autonomous vehicles into everyday traffic. As the technology evolves, the company remains in regular contact with the LAPD’s Traffic Coordination Division to enhance protocols for operating in conjunction with law enforcement.

As autonomous vehicle technology continues to develop, public perception and trust will play critical roles in determining the future of driverless cars on city streets.