Waymo Robotaxis Disrupt Kamala Harris' Motorcade in San Francisco
- Vice President Kamala Harris' motorcade was disrupted by Waymo self-driving taxis in San Francisco.
- The first Waymo taxi stalled while attempting a U-turn, leading to traffic delays until a police officer intervened.
- This incident underscores the challenges and public concerns surrounding the rapid expansion of autonomous vehicle services.
On a Friday night in San Francisco, Vice President Kamala Harris' motorcade experienced disruptions due to Waymo's self-driving taxis. The first taxi failed to execute a U-turn, causing a halt in the motorcade and resulting in traffic buildup. A police officer intervened to move the stalled vehicle. A second Waymo robotaxi also contributed to delays during Harris' return from a fundraiser. This incident highlights the increasing presence of autonomous vehicles in urban areas, which have faced scrutiny from residents due to various issues, including previous accidents and technical malfunctions. As the U.S. presidential election approaches, the implications of such disruptions could be significant for public perception of self-driving technology. Waymo continues to expand its services despite these challenges, recently introducing advanced hardware aimed at improving safety and performance in diverse conditions.