Waymo Robo-Taxi Set on Fire in San Francisco Amidst City’s Mistrust of Driverless Technology
A San Francisco crowd torched a Waymo robo-taxi on Saturday night, the local fire department said, amid ongoing mistrust of driverless technology in the city. The incident occured during Lunar New Year celebrations in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Although the motive behind the attack remains unclear, the incident is a stark reminder of the challenges autonomous-car companies face in gaining public acceptance.
Michael Vandi/Reuters
Attack on Waymo Robo-Taxi
- A Waymo robo-taxi was set on fire Saturday by a crowd in San Francisco.
- The motive is unclear, but mistrust toward driverless technology in the city is high.
- There have been multiple accidents since the city greenlighted expanding robo-taxi services.
The vehicle was “surrounded and then graffiti’d, windows were broken, and a firework was lit inside the vehicle,” according to a post on social media. The Waymo robo-taxi was reduced to an ashen shell, as captured in video footage shared online by multiple sources. Although there were no people in the vehicle and no injuries reported, the incident is under investigation by authorities.
Controversies Surrounding Driverless Technology in San Francisco
The motive for the attack on the robo-car is unclear, but it highlights the increase in scrutiny and mistrust towards autonomous-car companies in San Francisco. Waymo started the trial of driverless taxis in the city in 2022 under certain restrictions, but the technology has faced challenges. Dashcam footage has captured Waymo vehicles obstructing traffic and blocking public transportation vehicles.
Incidents involving driverless vehicles in San Francisco have raised concerns among the public. In one incident, a Waymo taxi drove into a fire scene and narrowly missed running over a fire hose. The accidents and traffic congestion caused by driverless taxis led to the reduction of Cruise’s robotaxi fleet, and eventually, the revocation of permits for autonomous vehicles in the city.
Despite these setbacks, Waymo, among other autonomous-car companies, maintains that their vehicles are “significantly” safer than those driven by humans. A 2023 study conducted by Waymo and shared with insurance company Swiss Re concluded that autonomous vehicles have a lower accident rate compared to human drivers, emphasizing the potential benefits of driverless technology.
Waymo’s Response and Ongoing Efforts
Waymo spokesperson Sandy Karp confirmed the occurrence of the incident and stated that the company is working closely with local safety officials to address the situation. As autonomous technology continues to advance, companies like Waymo strive to improve public trust and safety. The incident highlights the challenges faced by driverless technology proponents and reinforces the ongoing need to address public concerns.
