Per previous GM Authority coverage back in October 2023, California officials suspended Cruise’s driverless operations following a pedestrian-related accident that involved one of its robotaxi units. Now, it appears as though this AV-related scrutiny isn’t exclusive to General Motors’ self-driving subsidiary, as Alphabet’s Waymo has also hit a regulatory roadblock in The Golden State.
According to a report from TechTimes, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has officially suspended Waymo’s application to expand its autonomous driving operations in parts of the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas until at least June 19th, 2024.
Interestingly, this decision comes as the commission cites rising safety concerns surrounding autonomous vehicles. Announced via a notification published online, Waymo’s application won’t be eligible for further review, at least for the time being.
It’s worth noting that Alphabet’s self-driving subsidiary submitted this request back in January 2024, and is making a notable effort to emphasize its commitment to collaborating with policymakers, first responders, and community organizations.
In other Waymo-related developments, one of its robotaxi units was recently set on fire. Taking place during a celebration of China’s Lunar New Year, a crowd used a firework to ravage the autonomous vehicle until officials were about to bring the situation under control. Notably, the exact motive behind the attack is currently unknown.
Waymo also recently issued a recall for its self-driving technology after two of its robotaxis struck the same truck. More specifically, it was found that due to an orientation mismatch – as the truck was being towed by a tow truck and was facing backwards – the autonomous driving technology had trouble predicting the future motion of the vehicle. In response, a software update was pushed to all its AVs between December 20th, 2023 and January 12th, 2024 to ensure that this mistake won’t be made again.
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Comments
Good. I see them often in and around Santa Monica and they creep me out (the driverless ones anyway, no prob when there’s a person behind the wheel.)
I trust a driverless vehicle as far as I could pick one up and throw it!
Not the slightest chance of me getting in one ever
Driverless autos are not needed & testing them in public should be against the law.
Self-driving cars promise a future of enhanced mobility for individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and anyone unable to drive, offering safe and cost-effective transportation solutions. This technology caters to those seeking long-distance travel without the need for companionship, granting them autonomy and addressing privacy and cost concerns associated with assisted travel. With the potential to outperform human drivers in safety and efficiency, self-driving cars represent a pivotal step towards accessible and independent transportation for all
Who helps you into the car & folds your wheely-walker in the luggage area
Taxi Cab is safer, less time, more helpful with groceries for infirm & elderly people. available now & you don’t have to wait 10 more years for the service.
Self driving taxes are a joke. Being justified by outlandish estimates of revenues.