An investigation has been launched into a collision between a Waymo driverless car and a bicyclist in San Francisco’s Mission District. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when the driverless taxi struck the cyclist in an intersection. Thankfully, the cyclist only sustained minor injuries and did not require hospitalization. However, the California Department of Motor Vehicles and the San Francisco Police Department are now looking into the crash.
According to Reuters, Waymo, which is Alphabet’s autonomous driving unit, immediately contacted the relevant authorities following the incident. In a statement to the San Francisco Chronicle, Waymo explained that the vehicle’s view of the cyclist was obstructed by a large truck, preventing it from braking in time to avoid the collision. Waymo has not yet responded to requests for further comment.
Waymo has been known for touting its impressive safety record, claiming that its vehicles are involved in fewer crashes compared to human drivers. However, this incident raises concerns about the efficacy of their self-driving technology. Waymo launched its driverless taxi service to the general public in San Francisco last October, and these distinctive vehicles can be seen all over the city. Waymo also operates in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin, Texas.
The safety of self-driving vehicles has been under increased scrutiny since a similar incident involving a GM Cruise autonomous car occurred in San Francisco last October. In that case, the vehicle struck a pedestrian and dragged her for about 20 feet. Regulators accused GM Cruise of trying to cover up certain details of the incident, resulting in the revocation of its license to operate in California. The company also suspended all of its driverless-car operations and enacted significant leadership changes and layoffs.
In addition to internal consequences, Cruise is now facing multiple investigations by the Justice Department and Securities and Exchange Commission over the crash. This incident has raised important questions about accountability and transparency within the self-driving industry.
As authorities continue to investigate these incidents, it is crucial for companies like Waymo and GM Cruise to prioritize the safety of pedestrians and cyclists on the road. While self-driving technology holds immense potential for improving transportation, it is imperative that these vehicles operate in a responsible and reliable manner.
The outcome of the investigation into the Waymo collision will likely have significant implications for the future of autonomous vehicles. It remains to be seen how Waymo will address this incident and whether any changes will be made to their self-driving technology or operational procedures.
In the meantime, it is essential for regulators to establish clear guidelines and standards for self-driving vehicles to ensure the safety of all road users. The public’s trust in autonomous technology is at stake, and it is up to both the industry and regulators to work together to address any shortcomings and improve the overall safety of self-driving cars.
