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What recent incidents have involved Waymo's robotaxis?
Recent reports have highlighted two notable incidents involving Waymo's autonomous vehicles. In San Francisco, a woman gave birth inside a Waymo vehicle, raising questions about safety protocols during emergencies. In Los Angeles, a passenger was found hiding in the trunk of a Waymo, which has sparked concerns about vehicle monitoring and passenger safety. These incidents are under investigation as Waymo continues to expand its services.
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Are autonomous vehicles safe to use?
The safety of autonomous vehicles remains a topic of debate. While companies like Waymo emphasize their rigorous testing and safety measures, incidents like recent emergencies show that there are still risks involved. Overall, autonomous vehicles are considered safe when properly monitored, but ongoing incidents highlight the need for continued improvements and stricter safety standards.
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What is Waymo doing to improve safety?
Waymo is actively working to enhance safety through advanced monitoring systems, better passenger protocols, and rigorous testing. The company is investigating recent incidents to prevent similar events in the future and is committed to building safer autonomous vehicle technology as it scales operations across multiple cities.
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Could these incidents slow down self-driving car adoption?
Yes, high-profile safety incidents can impact public perception and regulatory approval, potentially slowing down the adoption of autonomous vehicles. However, many experts believe that with continued safety improvements and transparent reporting, autonomous cars will become more trusted and widely accepted over time.
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How common are safety incidents with autonomous vehicles?
While autonomous vehicles have logged millions of miles with relatively few incidents, high-profile events tend to attract more attention. Overall, the technology is improving, and most trips are completed safely. Still, each incident prompts companies to review and upgrade their safety measures to prevent future problems.