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Are self-driving cars safe to use?
Self-driving cars have made significant advances, but safety remains a concern. Incidents like Waymo's illegal U-turns show that autonomous systems can sometimes malfunction or break traffic laws. While many experts believe they can be safer than human drivers in the long run, ongoing testing and regulation are crucial to ensure they are safe for everyday use.
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What laws govern autonomous vehicle behavior?
Laws around autonomous vehicles are evolving. Currently, regulations like California's new legislation, effective from July 2026, allow police to issue notices for violations by driverless cars. These laws aim to hold manufacturers accountable and ensure autonomous vehicles follow traffic rules just like human drivers.
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What risks do driverless cars pose to pedestrians?
While autonomous vehicles are designed to be safer, incidents like illegal U-turns or software glitches can pose risks to pedestrians. If a vehicle malfunctions or makes unpredictable moves, pedestrians could be at risk. Ongoing safety measures and regulations are being developed to minimize these dangers.
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How are companies like Waymo addressing safety concerns?
Companies like Waymo are actively working to improve safety through software updates, extensive testing, and compliance with new regulations. They are also investigating incidents like the illegal U-turn in San Bruno to prevent future problems and build public trust in autonomous technology.
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Could autonomous vehicle incidents increase in the future?
As autonomous vehicles become more common, incidents may still occur, especially during early adoption phases. However, with stricter laws, better technology, and ongoing safety checks, the goal is to reduce these incidents and make driverless cars safer for everyone.