A Waymo Ojai prototype robotaxi recently crashed into multiple parked cars in Los Angeles, sparking initial concerns about the safety of autonomous vehicles. However, the incident was caused by a human driver operating the vehicle in manual mode, not a failure of the self-driving system.
Incident Details
The crash occurred around 11 a.m. on January 25 in Echo Park, near Dodger Stadium. Surveillance footage shows the Waymo vehicle traveling downhill before losing control and striking several parked cars along the curb. A pedestrian unloading groceries narrowly avoided being hit, describing the event as a “close call.”
Homeowner Jorge Don Antonio, whose mother’s car was struck, recounted the incident: “You can see from the video – the Waymo lost control down the street and just happened to hit my mama’s car.” Fortunately, no one was seriously injured, though paramedics checked nearby residents as a precaution.
Waymo’s Response
Waymo confirmed that the vehicle was in manual mode with no passengers inside at the time of the accident. The company has not yet disclosed the specific cause of the driver losing control.
Recurring Issue
The crash site has a history of similar incidents, according to Don Antonio. He explained, “It is a one-way street, and we are near Dodger Stadium. During the games, it loses control… It’s not the first time, unfortunately.” This suggests potential environmental factors or driver behavior patterns may contribute to the problem.
The incident underscores that even with advanced technology, human error remains a significant factor in vehicle accidents. While Waymo’s autonomous systems are designed for safety, manual operation introduces the risks associated with traditional driving.
The crash will likely prompt Waymo to review and reinforce its safety protocols for manual overrides, even as it continues to develop fully autonomous capabilities. The incident serves as a reminder that while self-driving cars aim to reduce accidents, they do not eliminate the potential for human-caused collisions.
