Autonomous driving is a revolutionary technology that holds the promise of solving numerous challenges for individuals who are unable or unwilling to operate a vehicle. While these individuals would undoubtedly benefit from the introduction of driverless cars, the advantages of fully autonomous vehicles extend far beyond mere convenience. The elimination of human error through autonomous driving has the potential to significantly enhance road safety. Additionally, the utilization of a single robotaxi for extended periods, rather than allowing it to remain idle in a garage, could greatly optimize personal mobility.
Unfortunately, the current state of technology does not inspire much confidence in the imminent eradication of human drivers. Numerous companies are diligently working on developing driverless cars, but their progress has been minimal and heavily debated. Tesla, for instance, pledged to integrate self-driving capabilities into all of its electric vehicles. However, these advancements have only been perceptible to a small group of devoted enthusiasts.
On the other hand, companies such as Google’s Waymo and GM’s Cruise have focused on offering driverless ride-hailing services in specific cities. Although these pilot programs have gradually expanded from certain areas of San Francisco to encompass the entire city and even other urban centers, they have not been without their challenges. Despite the companies’ claims regarding the safety of their robotaxis, both have been involved in controversial accidents. Cruise, in particular, is still recovering from an incident where one of its vehicles struck a pedestrian in San Francisco.
Even in the absence of high-profile collisions, robotaxis have been viewed by many as a nuisance for local traffic. Numerous incidents have occurred where these autonomous vehicles have obstructed streets, interfered with police operations, and impeded emergency service responses. Consequently, activist movements have emerged, seeking to halt the deployment of robotaxis, particularly in San Francisco. Initially, protests involved individuals disabling robotaxis by placing traffic cones on their hoods. This activity, known as “coning,” has since become a popular pastime among teenagers in San Francisco.
However, it did not take long for activism to devolve into vandalism, as evidenced by several incidents. In July of last year, a group of skateboarders vandalized a Waymo vehicle during a local event. Two months later, an individual wearing a mask attempted to destroy a Cruise autonomous vehicle using a hammer. Although tensions appeared to have subsided for a brief period, a recent incident has once again highlighted the unwelcome reception of robots on the streets of San Francisco.
A shocking incident took place in San Francisco during the Lunar New Year festivities, as captured in a viral video circulating on social media. The footage shows a group of individuals engaging in destructive behavior towards a Waymo driverless car on Jackson Street. The unfortunate Jaguar I-Pace became the target of an angry mob, who not only blocked its path but also subjected it to severe vandalism. One person even went as far as jumping on the car’s hood and using a skateboard to shatter the windshield and side windows. To make matters worse, others proceeded to deface the vehicle with graffiti. However, the situation quickly escalated when someone decided to ignite fireworks beneath the car. Surprisingly, the initial attempt resulted in nothing more than a loud bang, prompting the crowd to place the fireworks inside the vehicle instead. Within moments, the robotaxi was engulfed in flames, prompting the arrival of firefighters to the scene.
Fortunately, there were no passengers inside the car at the time of the incident. According to a spokesperson from Waymo, the vehicle had just completed a drop-off when it fell victim to the act of vandalism. It is uncertain whether the presence of a human driver would have deterred the attackers in this case. This incident serves as a reminder of a similar event that occurred in July, where the safety driver in the Waymo car failed to prevent skateboarders from vandalizing the vehicle.
Witnesses captured the distressing moment on camera and shared it on social media platforms. The footage, posted by Michael Vandi, showcases the Waymo car being vandalized and set ablaze. The San Francisco Fire Department also shared photographs taken by Séraphine Hossenlopp, which depict the vehicle surrounded by the perpetrators, graffiti covering its surface, and the devastating fire that eventually consumed the entire car. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of autonomous vehicles in urban environments.
According to the Source autoevolution.com