In a shocking turn of events, a Waymo self-driving car was vandalized and set on fire by a crowd using fireworks in San Francisco over the weekend. This incident marks the most destructive attack on driverless vehicles in the United States thus far.
The incident took place in the city’s Chinatown district, where a group of people surrounded the white SUV and began celebrating China’s Lunar New Year by setting off fireworks. One individual jumped onto the hood of the Waymo vehicle, breaking its windshield. Moments later, another person joined, and chaos ensued. Skateboards were used to break the glass, and the car was graffiti-ed by members of the crowd. Shockingly, the vehicle was eventually engulfed in flames, emitting a plume of black smoke.
Authorities have reported that someone threw a firework inside the vehicle, igniting the blaze. Fortunately, there were no riders in the car, and no injuries have been reported. Waymo is currently collaborating with local safety officials to address the situation and investigate the cause of the attack.
This incident sheds light on the growing public hostility towards autonomous vehicles following a tragic accident involving a pedestrian and a self-driving vehicle operated by General Motors’ Cruise unit. Instances of people harassing self-driving cars have occurred in the past, with groups obstructing their path, attempting to enter the vehicles, and even vandalizing them with orange traffic cones.
Although this attack on the Waymo vehicle is indeed concerning, it is vital to remember that it is an isolated event. Waymo intends to continue serving riders during the ongoing festivities despite the incident.
As we progress further into the age of autonomous vehicles, it is crucial to reflect on our relationship with this emerging technology. While there are concerns and legitimate questions surrounding safety and control, acts of vandalism and aggression towards self-driving cars only impede progress. Open dialogue and cooperation between technology developers, policymakers, and the public are necessary to ensure a harmonious integration of autonomous vehicles into our society.
Let us strive for a future where innovation can thrive alongside public understanding and acceptance.
Waymo self-driving car vandalized and set on fire in San Francisco
– A Waymo self-driving car was vandalized and set on fire by a crowd using fireworks in San Francisco.
– The incident took place in the city’s Chinatown district during China’s Lunar New Year festivities.
– The vehicle’s windshield was broken, it was graffitied, and it eventually caught fire and emitted black smoke.
– No riders were in the car, and no injuries have been reported.
– Waymo is collaborating with local safety officials to investigate the cause of the attack.
Growing public hostility towards autonomous vehicles
– The incident highlights the increasing hostility towards autonomous vehicles.
– This hostility follows a tragic accident involving a pedestrian and a self-driving vehicle operated by General Motors’ Cruise unit.
– In the past, there have been instances of people harassing self-driving cars, obstructing their paths, attempting to enter them, and vandalizing them.
Waymo’s response
– The attack on the Waymo vehicle is an isolated event.
– Waymo intends to continue serving riders during the ongoing festivities.
Reflection on the relationship with autonomous vehicles
– As we move into the age of autonomous vehicles, it is important to reflect on our relationship with this emerging technology.
– There are concerns and questions about safety and control, but acts of vandalism and aggression hinder progress.
– Open dialogue and cooperation between technology developers, policymakers, and the public are necessary for a harmonious integration of autonomous vehicles.
Definitions
– Waymo: Waymo is a self-driving technology development company, owned by Alphabet Inc. It is a pioneer in the field of autonomous vehicles.
– Autonomous vehicles: Vehicles that can operate and navigate without human input or control.
– General Motors’ Cruise unit: The Cruise unit is an autonomous vehicle subsidiary of General Motors.
Related links
– Waymo: Official website of Waymo, a leading self-driving technology company.
The source of the article is from the blog meltyfan.es