Human Driver Controls Waymo Vehicle During San Francisco Pedestrian Collision
A Waymo test vehicle strikes a pedestrian in San Francisco, but the company confirms a human safety driver is operating the car manually. Challenging weather conditions complicate the driving environment during the incident.
A Waymo self-driving test vehicle strikes a pedestrian in San Francisco's Heights neighborhood during a rainy evening. Fortunately, the pedestrian's injuries do not appear to be severe. Waymo confirms that a human safety driver is operating the Jaguar I-PACE manually at the time of the crash, meaning the autonomous system is not in control.
Security camera footage reveals a complex driving environment right before the collision. The wet roads, heavy rain, and flashing lights from a parked police car create difficult visual conditions for any driver. The video shows the safety driver's hands on the steering wheel, indicating an active presence behind the wheel.
Waymo representatives state that they are investigating the incident alongside local authorities. While the company routinely tests its vehicles in inclement weather to prepare for real-world conditions, this specific crash ultimately falls under human responsibility. The exact speed of the vehicle remains unknown, though some observers feel the car travels too fast for the tricky environment.