A growing coalition of concerned residents, safety advocates, and workers in San Francisco is urging action from Governor Gavin Newsom to ban self-driving taxis in the city and the state of California. The Network For Safety In Our Streets & For Working People, a newly formed group, is set to hold a press conference in Chinatown to raise awareness about the potential dangers of autonomous vehicles.
The catalyst for these demands was an incident during Lunar New Year celebrations where a Waymo self-driving taxi was intentionally set on fire. This incident, coupled with a previous accident in October involving a Cruise self-driving vehicle and a pedestrian, has sparked concerns about the safety of these autonomous cars. “We cannot afford another catastrophe by these vehicles,” stated Edward Escobar, one of the organizers of the coalition.
In their efforts to ensure public safety, the coalition is calling for Waymo autonomous vehicles to be removed from the streets of San Francisco immediately. Additionally, they are urging the revocation of permits for other companies operating self-driving cars in the city, such as Cruise.
While the development of self-driving technology has brought excitement and potential for future mobility, it is crucial to remain vigilant about the safety risks associated with it. The coalition seeks to emphasize the need for adequate regulations, rigorous testing, and comprehensive safety measures to protect both pedestrians and passengers alike.
Governor Newsom is now faced with the challenge of addressing these concerns while supporting the continued innovation and development of autonomous vehicles. Striking the right balance between technological progress and public safety will be crucial in shaping the future of transportation in San Francisco and beyond.
FAQ Section:
1. What is the Network For Safety In Our Streets & For Working People?
The Network For Safety In Our Streets & For Working People is a newly formed coalition in San Francisco comprised of concerned residents, safety advocates, and workers. They are urging action from Governor Gavin Newsom to ban self-driving taxis in the city and the state of California.
2. Why is the coalition calling for a ban on self-driving taxis?
The coalition is calling for a ban on self-driving taxis due to concerns about the safety of these autonomous vehicles. Recent incidents, such as a Waymo self-driving taxi being intentionally set on fire during Lunar New Year celebrations and a previous accident involving a Cruise self-driving vehicle and a pedestrian, have raised alarms about the potential dangers of autonomous cars.
3. What actions is the coalition demanding?
The coalition is demanding the immediate removal of Waymo autonomous vehicles from the streets of San Francisco. They are also urging the revocation of permits for other companies operating self-driving cars in the city, such as Cruise.
4. What does the coalition emphasize in terms of self-driving technology?
The coalition emphasizes the need for adequate regulations, rigorous testing, and comprehensive safety measures to protect both pedestrians and passengers. While recognizing the potential of self-driving technology, they stress the importance of remaining vigilant about the associated safety risks.
5. What challenge does Governor Newsom face?
Governor Newsom faces the challenge of addressing the concerns raised by the coalition while supporting the continued innovation and development of autonomous vehicles. Striking the right balance between technological progress and public safety will be crucial in shaping the future of transportation in San Francisco and beyond.
Key Terms/Jargon:
– Self-driving taxis: Autonomous vehicles that operate as taxis, navigating and transporting passengers without human drivers.
– Autonomous vehicles: Vehicles that are capable of operating without human input, using sensors and artificial intelligence to navigate and make decisions.
– Permits: Official authorizations granted by governing bodies that allow companies to operate self-driving cars on public roads.
– Pedestrian: A person who is traveling on foot, often sharing the same space as vehicles.
Related Link:
Governor Newsom’s Official Website
The source of the article is from the blog elperiodicodearanjuez.es