The recent incident in San Francisco where a Waymo self-driving car was vandalized and set on fire has raised concerns about the safety and acceptance of autonomous vehicles. This incident marks the most severe attack on autonomous vehicles in the U.S. to date.
The incident occurred in San Francisco’s Chinatown district on Saturday night. A crowd surrounded the moving white SUV, with one individual breaking the windshield and others joining in to vandalize the vehicle. The situation escalated when someone threw a firework inside, causing the car to burst into flames. Waymo confirmed the incident and stated that the vehicle was not carrying any passengers at the time. The San Francisco Police Department is currently investigating the cause of the fire.
A witness who shared videos of the incident described how people were celebrating China’s Lunar New Year with fireworks. The crowd cheered as individuals jumped onto the vehicle’s hood and began vandalizing it. The severity of this attack indicates a growing public hostility towards autonomous vehicles.
This is not the first time self-driving cars have been targeted. Previous incidents in San Francisco and Phoenix, Arizona, have seen groups disrupting the operations of autonomous vehicles. However, the severity of this latest attack may indicate a troubling trend of public hostility towards autonomous vehicles.
The incident comes at a time when the autonomous vehicle industry is facing increased scrutiny. Waymo, in particular, has been expanding its operations, with plans to launch a complete range of robotaxis in Los Angeles, despite regulatory challenges. The company has also been offering round-the-clock autonomous ride services in San Francisco since October.
However, the industry has faced challenges, including criticism for its post-collision responses. The recent incident adds to the growing concerns around the safety and public acceptance of autonomous vehicles.
General Motors’ autonomous vehicle division, Cruise, is also under scrutiny following a severe accident involving one of its autonomous taxis. A California judge recently urged Cruise to increase its settlement offer in the case.
The incident highlights the need for the autonomous vehicle industry to address public concerns and ensure the safety of their vehicles. As the technology continues to advance, it is crucial for companies to prioritize safety measures and engage with the public to build trust. Only then can autonomous vehicles truly become a widely accepted mode of transportation.
