Incident Raises Questions about Waymo’s Protection Measures
Man Attempts to Drive Off in Autonomous Waymo Vehicle
On Thursday, a man in downtown Los Angeles allegedly attempted to get into a Waymo autonomous vehicle and drive away. Police responded and eventually got the man out of the car. It was not immediately clear if the man was the person who had called the vehicle.
Company Assures Protection Measures in Place
The incident raised questions about how the autonomous vehicle ride-share company protects its human-free cars, just months after Waymo began providing rides for all Angelenos. In response, Waymo assured that its technology includes protections against bad actors.
Design Features Prevent Unauthorized Operation
Even when someone attempts to commandeer the vehicle, the cars are designed so that people cannot override the automatic driving system to operate the vehicles themselves, according to the company. The cars are also equipped with self-protective features, including:
- Maneuvering evasively
- Honking or making other sounds
- Telling people outside the vehicle that 911 is being called
Exterior Door Handles Fold In for Additional Security
The exterior door handles also fold in during rides so that people outside the car cannot get in. This added security feature is designed to prevent unauthorized entry.
Rider Support Team and Law Enforcement
In the event that someone gets into the driver’s seat, Waymo’s rider support team is immediately alerted and can request that the person leave the car. If the person refuses, the company contacts the local authorities. In the incident on Thursday, the support team requested that the man leave the vehicle, but he refused. That is when the company contacted the Los Angeles Police Department. The man was released at the scene, according to the LAPD.
Conclusion
While the incident is concerning, Waymo’s design features and protections in place are intended to prevent unauthorized operation of the vehicles. The company’s commitment to safety and security is evident in its measures to prevent and respond to such incidents.
FAQs
Q: How many people have attempted to commandeer Waymo vehicles?
A: According to Waymo, only a "handful" of people have attempted to commandeer the vehicles.
Q: Can people override the automatic driving system to operate the vehicles themselves?
A: No, the cars are designed so that people cannot override the automatic driving system to operate the vehicles themselves.
Q: What happens if someone gets into the driver’s seat and refuses to leave?
A: Waymo’s rider support team is immediately alerted and can request that the person leave the car. If the person refuses, the company contacts the local authorities.
Q: Are Waymo vehicles safe?
A: Yes, Waymo vehicles are designed with safety and security in mind. The company’s technology includes protections against bad actors, and the vehicles are equipped with self-protective features.
