Waymo Self-Driving Vehicle Vandalized and Set on Fire in San Francisco
In a shocking incident that took place in San Francisco on Saturday, a Waymo self-driving vehicle was vandalized and set on fire by a crowd. The incident has raised concerns about the growing hostility towards self-driving cars following a tragic accident involving a self-driving vehicle operated by General Motors’ Cruise unit last year.
According to Waymo, the incident occurred around 9 p.m. on Saturday when someone in the crowd broke a car window and threw a firework inside the vehicle, causing it to burst into flames. The company has not yet determined what led to the attack on the car. Fortunately, there were no riders inside the vehicle, and no injuries have been reported.
Video footage of the incident circulated on social media, showing the electric vehicle engulfed in flames and emitting a massive plume of black smoke. The images are a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such acts of vandalism.
Waymo, which is owned by Alphabet, expressed its cooperation with local safety officials to address the situation. The San Francisco fire department handed over the case to the police, who are currently investigating the cause of the attack. The fire department shared pictures on social media, revealing the charred remains of the vehicle and confirming that a firework was responsible for starting the blaze. The San Francisco police department has yet to comment on the incident.
This is not the first time self-driving cars have been targeted by vandals. However, the severity of this incident highlights the increasing public hostility towards autonomous vehicles. Last week, another Waymo car collided with a cyclist in San Francisco, resulting in minor injuries. The incident is currently under review by the state’s auto regulator.
The incident that sparked public outrage occurred on October 2 when a pedestrian was hit by another vehicle and thrown into the path of a self-driving Cruise vehicle. The pedestrian was dragged for 20 feet (6 meters), leading to the suspension of California’s driverless testing license for the company and the withdrawal of all U.S. self-driving vehicles by Cruise.
These incidents raise important questions about the safety and public acceptance of self-driving technology. While autonomous vehicles promise to revolutionize transportation and reduce accidents caused by human error, they are still in the early stages of development. As they become more prevalent on our roads, it is crucial to address concerns and ensure that proper safety measures are in place.
The recent attack on the Waymo vehicle serves as a reminder that public perception plays a significant role in the success of self-driving cars. Building trust and addressing concerns will be key to widespread adoption. It is essential for companies like Waymo and Cruise to work closely with local authorities and safety officials to ensure the safety of their vehicles and the public.
As investigations into the attack continue, it is hoped that those responsible will be held accountable for their actions. Acts of vandalism not only endanger lives but also hinder progress towards a future where autonomous vehicles can coexist harmoniously with traditional vehicles.
The incident in San Francisco serves as a wake-up call for the industry and highlights the need for increased public education, awareness, and safety measures. Only through collaboration and understanding can we pave the way for a future where self-driving cars are embraced and contribute to a safer and more efficient transportation system.