A recent incident involving Waymo’s driverless taxi has sparked attention after it encountered a Los Angeles police felony stop. The event, which took place early Sunday morning, left onlookers astonished but fortunately resulted in no injuries.
Waymo’s Driverless Car in Police Encounter
The encounter occurred around 3:40 a.m. at the intersection of Broadway and First Street, near Times Mirror Square and the federal courthouse. During a police operation, a suspect was apprehended and lying face down on the street as Waymo’s vehicle approached, making a left turn to pass a police cruiser.
Details of the Incident
Video footage captured the dramatic moment as police officers shouted at the Waymo vehicle to vacate the area. Instead of moving away, the self-driving car briefly slowed and signaled a right turn. Officers yelled instructions, urging the vehicle to proceed safely.
- Time of incident: 3:40 a.m.
- Location: Broadway and First Street, Los Angeles
- Duration of the encounter: Approximately 15 seconds
Response from Authorities
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) stated that the vehicle’s actions did not affect their police protocols. The intersection was temporarily closed, as is standard during high-stakes operations. Notably, the LAPD has procedures in place regarding interactions with driverless cars and maintains communication with Waymo as their technology evolves.
Waymo’s Commitment to Safety
A representative from Waymo emphasized the company’s dedication to safety, stating, “Safety is our highest priority.” The company is committed to learning from experiences like this to enhance road safety in urban areas.
Waymo’s Expanding Operations
Waymo, owned by Alphabet, has extended its services beyond Los Angeles to regions such as the San Francisco Bay Area and Phoenix. They are also branching out to Miami, Orlando, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Detroit.
Recent Incidents and Challenges
Despite impressive milestones, including surpassing 100 million miles without human drivers and no fatalities, Waymo has faced scrutiny. Recent notable events include:
- Five Waymo vehicles were set on fire by protestors in June.
- A cyber prank caused 50 Waymo vehicles to travel down a dead-end street in July.
- A self-driving car made an illegal turn during a DUI checkpoint in San Bruno in September.
As Waymo continues to advance its autonomous driving technology, it aims to navigate the complexities of urban environments safely, ensuring both passenger and public safety.
