Self-Driving Cars in San Francisco Face Local Backlash Over Noise Issues

Residents of San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood are expressing their frustration over the disruptive noise generated by a fleet of Waymo robotaxis during the early morning hours. Locals report that the autonomous vehicles have been incessantly honking at each other as they return to a nearby parking lot, significantly interrupting their sleep. Video footage captured by residents shows the vehicles blaring their horns, which in turn triggers alarms on other cars, creating a cacophony that has become a nightly nuisance. In response to the complaints, Waymo acknowledged that the noise issue stemmed from software designed to prevent slow-moving collisions. The company has since updated the software to reduce honking, assuring residents that the electric vehicles will be quieter moving forward. However, the honking has persisted since it began in July, often peaking during hours when demand for rides is low, further aggravating nearby residents. Local activists have called for increased oversight of autonomous vehicles, emphasizing that residents should not be treated as test subjects. The ongoing presence of Waymo and other driverless car companies, such as Amazon's Zoox, has sparked a broader debate about the safety and ethics of self-driving technology in urban environments. Despite the recent software updates, the situation remains a point of contention, as residents continue to grapple with the implications of having autonomous vehicles operating in their neighborhoods. The issue highlights the challenges posed by the integration of new technologies into everyday life.