Key Takeaways
- San Francisco's Waymo robotaxis are transitioning from cautious to more assertive driving behavior.
- Alphabet-owned Waymo confirmed this shift is intentional, driven by software updates.
- Waymo cites 100 million driverless miles and a 91% reduction in serious injury crashes.
- Despite safety claims, Waymos have been observed and stopped by police for traffic violations.
Deep Dive
- A reporter observed San Francisco Waymos previously exhibiting passive and sometimes overly cautious behaviors.
- A colleague observed a Waymo at a four-way stop behaving assertively, prompting an investigation into changing behavior.
- The host introduced the topic, noting a potential shift from "Way Slow" to "Way Go" for the robotaxis.
- Waymo previously had a reputation for being slow and overly cautious, often stopping excessively or waiting for obstacles.
- San Francisco residents observed Waymos exhibiting bolder actions, including faster driving in tunnels and more assertive pedestrian interactions.
- These observations also included Waymos performing 'California stops', signaling a shift in driving style.
- Waymo, owned by Alphabet, confirmed through a senior director that they are intentionally making vehicles more "confidently assertive."
- These software updates aim to improve efficiency and reduce disruption in busy urban environments like San Francisco.
- The company stated the change in driving behavior is a planned modification.
- Waymo asserts its vehicles are safe, citing 100 million driverless miles logged and a 91% reduction in serious injury crashes.
- In San Bruno, police pulled over a Waymo during a DUI crackdown for making an illegal U-turn.
- An officer noted the autonomous cars seem to be becoming more assertive, but no ticket was issued for the illegal U-turn.
- This incident, along with a previous one, raises questions about ticketing autonomous vehicles.