A recent incident involving a driverless vehicle operated by Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., has raised questions about public trust in autonomous technology. The event occurred at approximately 03:40 on Sunday morning at the intersection of Broadway and First Street in Los Angeles, outside Times Mirror Square and the federal courthouse. A Waymo robotaxi entered the scene where police were restraining a suspect, making a right turn despite officers signaling for it to turn left. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, as confirmed by both the Los Angeles Police Department and Waymo.
The vehicle reportedly stopped for over 15 seconds during the incident. A spokesperson for Waymo emphasized that safety remains the company’s top priority. “When we encounter unusual events like this, we learn from them to continue improving road safety and operating in dynamic cities,” the spokesperson stated. This occurrence adds to the series of incidents that have attracted media attention since Waymo launched its public service in November 2024.
Details of the Incident
Footage from bystanders shows the autonomous vehicle disregarding police commands. Officers, initially unaware it was unmanned, approached the vehicle with weapons drawn before realizing it was a self-driving taxi. The police indicated that the presence of the vehicle did not interfere with their operations, although the intersection was temporarily closed as a standard safety measure.
The Los Angeles Police Department’s Traffic Coordination Division regularly collaborates with Waymo to ensure compliance with protocols for driverless vehicles. Despite the incident, no fines were issued, as there was no human driver involved. Waymo has pledged to rectify the technical issues that contributed to this incident.
Broader Context of Waymo’s Operations
Despite achieving significant milestones, such as reporting over 160 million kilometers traveled without fatalities earlier this year, Waymo has faced multiple controversies. In June, a social media prank led to 50 self-driving vehicles being directed down a dead-end street in San Francisco, causing a stir online. Additionally, anti-ICE protesters set five Waymo vehicles ablaze in Los Angeles, highlighting the growing tensions surrounding autonomous technology.
In another incident in September, a Waymo vehicle made an illegal turn at a DUI checkpoint in San Bruno, California. These events have cast a shadow over the company’s progress, but Waymo continues to expand its operations. Currently, they offer services in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Phoenix, with plans to extend into markets such as Miami, Orlando, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Detroit.
While Waymo’s commitment to safety and innovation is evident, incidents like the recent checkpoint disruption may challenge public confidence in driverless technology. As the company works to enhance its systems, the relationship between autonomous vehicles and traditional law enforcement continues to evolve.
