An incident involving a driverless vehicle from Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, has raised fresh concerns about public safety and confidence in autonomous technology. On March 10, 2024, at approximately 3:40 a.m., one of Waymo’s self-driving taxis made an unexpected right turn at a police checkpoint in Los Angeles, despite officers indicating it should turn left. The incident occurred at Broadway and First Street, just outside Times Mirror Square and the downtown federal courthouse. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Witnesses captured the event on video, which showed the unmanned vehicle entering the scene while police were restraining an individual. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed that the vehicle did not comply with instructions and approached with officers drawing their weapons. Upon realizing it was a driverless taxi, the situation was quickly managed without any escalation. The intersection was temporarily closed as per standard procedures during police operations.
Waymo’s Response to the Incident
In a statement following the event, a Waymo spokesperson emphasized that safety remains their highest priority. The spokesperson noted that the vehicle was stationary for over 15 seconds during the encounter, stating, “When we encounter unusual events like this, we learn from them to continue improving road safety and operating in dynamic cities.” Waymo indicated that while there were no fines issued due to the absence of a human driver, they acknowledge the need to address technical issues that contributed to this incident.
Waymo has faced scrutiny since it began offering its robotaxi services to the public in November 2024. Despite the challenges, the company continues to expand its operations beyond Los Angeles, with services available in the San Francisco Bay Area and Phoenix, and plans to launch in cities such as Miami, Orlando, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Detroit.
Incidents and Public Perception
While Waymo recently announced that its self-driving vehicles had traveled over 160 million kilometers without fatalities, the company has also been in the spotlight for less favorable reasons. Earlier this year, several incidents drew attention, including a viral event in which a user allegedly sent 50 of its self-driving vehicles down a dead-end street in San Francisco as a prank. In another case, five Waymo vehicles were set ablaze by protesters in Los Angeles.
Furthermore, during a DUI checkpoint in September 2023, a Waymo vehicle made an illegal maneuver in front of police officers, adding to the list of incidents that challenge public confidence in driverless technology. Despite these setbacks, Waymo is determined to broaden its service offerings, including plans to provide highway rides, expanding its operational capabilities beyond urban environments.
The recent incident at the police checkpoint serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that come with implementing autonomous vehicles in real-world scenarios. As Waymo continues to navigate these challenges, the balance between innovation and safety remains a critical focus for both the company and the public.
