San Francisco, CA – A driverless Waymo car was set on fire and destroyed by a crowd in San Francisco recently. This incident took place in the city’s Chinatown district during the Lunar New Year celebration. Videos and photos of the burning vehicle spread quickly on social media, sparking concerns about the safety of autonomous vehicles in urban environments.
The Waymo autonomous vehicle was also vandalized before being set ablaze, making it the latest in a series of attacks on driverless cars in the city. No injuries were reported in the incident, but it has raised questions about the security and acceptance of self-driving technology in densely populated areas.
The incident comes in the midst of ongoing debates about the benefits and risks of autonomous vehicles. While proponents argue that driverless cars can reduce traffic accidents and provide mobility options for those unable to drive, opponents point to incidents like this one as evidence of the potential dangers of relying on self-driving technology.
The San Francisco police department is investigating the incident, but so far, no suspects have been identified. Waymo, owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, has not issued a statement in response to the attack. The company has been testing its autonomous vehicles in several cities as part of its efforts to develop and refine the technology.
The incident has also raised concerns about public perceptions of autonomous vehicles. Building trust in self-driving technology is crucial for its widespread adoption, and incidents like this one could potentially set back progress in that area. As the investigation into the attack continues, it remains to be seen how it will impact the future of autonomous vehicles in San Francisco and beyond.