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What are the main safety concerns with autonomous vehicles in San Francisco?
Safety concerns in San Francisco include incidents like Waymo vehicles blocking streets during outages, illegal U-turns, and collisions with pets. Drivers and unions worry that autonomous cars may not react as well as human drivers in complex city environments, raising fears about accidents and road safety.
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Why are drivers protesting against self-driving cars?
Drivers are protesting because they believe autonomous vehicles threaten their jobs and safety standards. They argue that robotaxis and self-driving cars are not held to the same safety standards as human drivers, and incidents involving these vehicles have increased public concern and protests outside regulatory agencies.
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How are regulators responding to incidents involving autonomous vehicles?
Regulators in California are reviewing existing rules and considering stricter regulations for autonomous vehicles. They are investigating incidents like collisions and street blockages to ensure safety standards are met and to decide whether to limit or expand autonomous vehicle operations.
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Will autonomous vehicles become safer or more controversial?
The future of autonomous vehicles depends on technological improvements and regulatory responses. While they have the potential to become safer with better AI and safety protocols, public opinion remains divided, and controversy may persist if incidents continue or if safety concerns are not addressed.
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What technological differences exist between new robotaxi models like Zoox and Waymo?
Different companies are developing autonomous vehicles with varying technologies. Zoox, for example, is focusing on fully autonomous, electric robotaxis designed for urban environments, while Waymo emphasizes safety and reliability based on extensive testing. These differences influence how the vehicles operate and their acceptance by the public.