Waymo, the autonomous driving tech company, has announced its plans to start testing its driverless cars on Phoenix freeways in the coming weeks. This move marks a significant step in the development of self-driving technology on higher-speed roadways.
Traditionally, self-driving cars have avoided freeways and focused on lower-speed streets. However, Waymo’s decision to test its driverless cars on Phoenix freeways shows the company’s commitment to expanding the capabilities of this technology.
By starting with “rider-only” trips for its employees, Waymo aims to gather valuable data and information about the experience. This data will help the company further refine its technology and improve the rider experience before opening up the service to the public.
In the past, critics have raised concerns about the readiness of self-driving technology for highways. However, Waymo’s previous driverless truck program on Texas freeways and the positive results it achieved have demonstrated that this technology has the potential to operate safely on freeways.
Waymo’s expansion of its service area in the Valley to cover about 225 square miles of metro Phoenix, Tempe, and parts of Mesa and Chandler reflects the company’s commitment to establishing a strong presence in the region. According to data from Waymo, their autonomous vehicles have shown significant reductions in crashes resulting in injuries and police-reported crashes compared to human drivers.
The company is eager to receive feedback from its employees during these freeway trips, as it will provide invaluable insights into the service and rider experience. This feedback will inform further improvements and ensure that Waymo’s driverless cars are safe and reliable for future riders.
Waymo’s decision to test its driverless cars on Phoenix freeways signals a new era in autonomous vehicle technology, highlighting the potential for self-driving cars to operate efficiently and safely on faster roadways.