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Why did Waymo's service stop in San Francisco?
Waymo's service was suspended after its autonomous vehicles caused traffic jams during a power outage. The vehicles stalled at intersections, contributing to gridlock, especially because traffic lights were not functioning. The company is working with city officials to restore service once conditions improve.
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How did autonomous cars cause traffic jams during the outage?
During the power outage, traffic signals went offline, and Waymo's vehicles relied on external infrastructure to navigate safely. Without functioning traffic lights, some vehicles became confused or stalled, leading to traffic congestion and delays across the city.
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When will Waymo's service resume in San Francisco?
Waymo has not announced an exact date for resuming service. The company is closely monitoring the situation and working with city officials to ensure safety before restarting autonomous rides in San Francisco.
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Are autonomous vehicles safe during power outages?
Autonomous vehicles depend heavily on external infrastructure like traffic lights and sensors. During power outages, their ability to navigate safely can be compromised, which is why companies like Waymo temporarily halt services to prevent accidents and traffic disruptions.
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What caused the power outage in San Francisco?
The outage was caused by a fire at a substation, which disrupted power supply across parts of the city. This incident affected thousands of residents and infrastructure, including traffic signals, impacting autonomous vehicle operations.
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What challenges do autonomous vehicles face in urban emergencies?
Urban emergencies like power outages or accidents can disrupt the external infrastructure autonomous vehicles rely on. This makes it challenging for them to operate safely, highlighting the need for better emergency protocols and infrastructure resilience.