Fear, Anxiety, and Jokes: Reactions to Waymo Robotaxis Being Allowed on Freeways
Driverless Waymo robotaxis can now operate on freeways in several major U.S. metropolitan areas. Is this a good thing? It depends on who you ask.
Waymo will roll out this new freeway access for self-driving robotaxis first in the San Francisco Bay Area, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. The company plans to soon begin providing similar freeway service in Austin and Atlanta.
“Freeway trips make Waymo even more convenient and efficient, whether you’re headed to Sky Harbor International Airport, cruising from Downtown LA to Culver City, or commuting in our newly expanded Bay Area service,” the company stated in a press release.
“This experience, reinforced by comprehensive testing as well as extensive operational preparation, supports the delivery of a safe and reliable service,” Waymo continued. “We’ve also closely collaborated with safety officials to seamlessly support this new phase of service.”
News about Waymo robotaxis being allowed on the freeway elicited a wide variety of reactions
Naturally, people have already begun to share videos of their first Waymo robotaxi experiences on the freeway on social media.
Many people say they are scared to take a Waymo robotaxi on the freeway. Others feel frightened at the thought of encountering one while driving. Some, however, can wait for all the inevitable lulz.
“From what I’ve seen of Waymo vehicles, I am terrified to see their highway performance,” one person commented on X (Twitter).
“Oh dear lord! If Waymos are going on the highway, can we make a rule that they are ONLY allowed in the slow or 2nd lane,” another driver worried.
“Waymo is jerky on the streets. I can’t imagine how jerky it will be on the highway,” someone else observed.
“Fingers crossed we don’t see one of Waymo’s trademarked freezing events on the highway,” wrote another concerned X user.
“I’m excited to see all the fail videos,” another person joked.
“My sad idea of fun: I need to do a Waymo on the highway this weekend,” someone else wrote.
“Lawyers in SF, LA, and Phoenix,” read a suggestion on X, “Add in ‘Self Driving Accident Lawyer,’ ‘Waymo Accident Lawyer,’ etc. to your ad campaigns NOW!!!!!!”
