A person jumped on the hood of a Waymo driverless taxi and smashed its windshield in San Francisco’s Chinatown last night around 9PM PT, generating applause before a crowd formed around the car and covered it in spray paint, breaking its windows, and ultimately set it on fire. The fire department arrived minutes later, according to a report in The Autopian, but by then flames had already fully engulfed the car.
At the moment, no outlets seem to have reported a motive for the attack. Waymo representative Sandy Karp told The Verge via email that the fully autonomous car was not transporting any riders when it was attacked and fireworks were tossed inside the car, sparking the flames. Officer Rueca of San Francisco’s police department confirmed in an email to The Verge that police responded at approximately 8:50PM PT to find the car already on fire, adding that there were no reports of injuries.
This incident raises concerns about the safety and security of driverless vehicles in public spaces. Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous driving subsidiary, has been conducting tests of its self-driving taxis on public roads in several US cities, including San Francisco. While incidents of aggression towards autonomous vehicles are rare, this incident underscores the need for robust security measures to protect these vehicles from vandalism and potential harm to the public.
Waymo’s representative emphasized that the attack occurred while the car was not in service and described it as a deliberate act of vandalism. Waymo is working closely with local law enforcement to investigate the incident and bring the responsible individuals to justice. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and it is unclear whether the incident specifically targeted the driverless vehicle or if it was a random act of destruction.
This incident also raises questions about public acceptance and readiness for driverless technology. Autonomous vehicles hold the promise of revolutionizing transportation by reducing accidents and congestion, and providing mobility solutions for those who cannot drive. However, incidents like this may fuel public apprehension and skepticism, hindering the widespread adoption of this transformative technology.
Waymo has been a pioneer in the field of self-driving cars, accumulating millions of miles of test driving and offering their autonomous ride-hailing service to select customers in cities like Phoenix, Arizona. The incident in San Francisco serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead, not just for Waymo, but for the entire autonomous vehicle industry.
As investigations into the attack continue, Waymo and other autonomous vehicle manufacturers will likely face pressure to enhance security measures to prevent future incidents of vandalism. Such measures may include the deployment of surveillance cameras, improved alarm systems, and increased collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
The incident in San Francisco’s Chinatown highlights a darker aspect of our society’s response to technological advancements. As autonomous vehicles become more common on our roads, we must balance innovation with security and ensure that the benefits of this technology are not overshadowed by acts of destruction and aggression.
In the wake of this incident, the focus should remain on understanding the motives behind such attacks and addressing the concerns of both the public and autonomous vehicle manufacturers. By doing so, we can work towards a future where driverless vehicles can coexist safely and seamlessly with the communities they serve, enabling a new era of transportation that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and accessibility.
