Background
On June 14, 2023, a Waymo Robotaxi was pulled over by Phoenix police for driving the wrong way on a one-way street. The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 pm near the intersection of 7th Street and Thomas Road.
Details
According to police reports, the Waymo Robotaxi was observed traveling eastbound on 7th Street, which is a westbound one-way street. The vehicle was stopped by police after it had traveled approximately 100 feet in the wrong direction.
Robotaxi Autonomy Level
The Waymo Robotaxi involved in the incident was operating at Level 4 autonomy, meaning it was capable of driving itself without human intervention under certain conditions. However, it is important to note that Level 4 autonomy does not eliminate the need for human oversight in all situations.
Evidence and Testimony
Eyewitness accounts and video footage from the police dashcam corroborate the reports of wrong-way driving. The Waymo Robotaxi driver, a human safety operator, acknowledged that the vehicle was in autonomous mode at the time of the incident.
Investigation and Findings
The Phoenix Police Department is currently investigating the incident. Preliminary findings indicate that the Waymo Robotaxi’s autonomous driving system failed to correctly interpret the traffic signs and road conditions, resulting in the wrong-way driving.
Technical Fault
Initial analysis of the Robotaxi’s onboard data suggests a technical fault within the vehicle’s perception system. The system reportedly failed to recognize the Do Not Enter sign and the one-way traffic pattern.
Human Error
While the investigation primarily focuses on the technical fault, human error cannot be ruled out at this stage. The safety operator is responsible for monitoring the vehicle’s operation and intervening if necessary.
Regulatory Implications
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of autonomous vehicles and the need for comprehensive regulations. Regulators will likely scrutinize the performance of autonomous driving systems and the training and supervision of safety operators.
Conclusion
The Waymo Robotaxi incident highlights the challenges and complexities associated with deploying autonomous vehicles on public roads. While autonomous technology holds great promise, it is crucial to ensure that these vehicles operate safely and reliably before widespread adoption. Continued testing, research, and regulatory oversight are necessary to address these concerns.
Kind regards
G. Smith
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