A recent incident in downtown Los Angeles has brought attention to the safety measures implemented by Waymo, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, as the company rolls out its ride-sharing services across the city. On Thursday, a man allegedly attempted to enter the back of a Waymo vehicle and drive away, prompting a swift response from the police.
The circumstances surrounding the incident revealed uncertainty about whether the man was a passenger who had summoned the vehicle or not. The situation raised critical questions about how Waymo protects its self-driving cars from potential misuse, especially given that the company has only recently expanded its services to all residents of Los Angeles, operating more than 100 autonomous vehicles within the city, albeit excluding the Los Angeles International Airport.
Waymo's operations extend beyond Los Angeles, with a more extensive fleet active in cities like San Francisco, Daly City, and Phoenix. Despite the increasing presence of these autonomous vehicles, the company reported that throughout more than five million rides, only a “handful” of individuals have attempted to commandeer the vehicles. To address such incidents, Waymo has equipped its cars with advanced safety features designed to prevent unauthorised control.
A spokesperson from Waymo stated that their vehicles are configured to ensure that the automated driving system cannot be overridden by passengers. The cars possess self-protective capabilities, allowing them to take evasive actions, honk, or communicate with people outside by notifying them that emergency assistance is being summoned. Additionally, the vehicle's exterior door handles retract during rides, preventing anyone outside from accessing the inside.
In spite of these precautions, Waymo remains vigilant and has protocols in place for scenarios in which someone does attempt to get into the driver's seat. When alerted to the situation during Thursday's incident, the rider support team quickly instructed the individual to exit the vehicle; however, he refused to comply, leading Waymo to contact the Los Angeles Police Department for assistance.
Ultimately, law enforcement responded to the scene, where the individual was released without further incident. This event has spotlighted the ongoing dialogues surrounding the integration of autonomous technology into everyday life and the implications it carries for public safety and urban mobility. As Waymo continues to expand its services, the effectiveness and reliability of its safety measures will be under continuous scrutiny.
Source: Noah Wire Services