Particle.news
Download on the App Store
7 ARTICLES
·
9mo ago

Waymo Robotaxis Disrupt San Francisco Residents with Early Morning Honking

Autonomous vehicles cause sleepless nights as they navigate a SoMa parking lot, prompting complaints and a promised fix.

Image
Image
Image
A Waymo autonomous self-driving Jaguar electric vehicle sits parked at an EVgo charging station in Los Angeles, California, on May 15, 2024. The top US auto safety regulator on Tuesday said it had opened an investigation into Google-owned Waymo after reports of 22 incidents with its self-driving technology. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation said the problems took place in vehicles equipped with Waymo's fifth generation automated driving system. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)

Overview

  • Waymo's self-driving cars have been honking at each other around 4 a.m. in a SoMa parking lot, disturbing nearby residents.
  • The noise issue began when Waymo started using the lot for overnight parking and recharging in late July.
  • Residents report the honking disrupts their sleep and daily activities, leading to frustration and complaints.
  • Waymo acknowledges the problem and states it is working on a solution to stop the unnecessary honking.
  • The company is also beginning to test its robotaxis on Bay Area freeways with human monitors on board.