‘I just don’t think it’s safe’, shouts the traffic cop almost run over three times by driverless cars – children are at risk

MORE than 30 traffic wardens were interviewed about their experiences with driverless taxis – one in four had a close call.

Now lawmakers are scrambling to find a way to regulate AV companies’ reporting policies.

3

3

3

Waymo, a driverless all-electric taxi company commonly seen in San Francisco, California, has provided thousands of incident-free rides in the coastal city thanks to cutting-edge technology that works in conjunction with many sensors and radars.

However, there appears to be a problem with dangers at intersections, according to guards who work at the city’s schools.

Theresa Dorn has been a crossing guard for more than a decade and was nearly struck by an AV three times last year.

“He didn’t recognize me at the intersection,” she told the NBC affiliate KNTV.

She indicated that each time she was almost run over, she held up her large “STOP” sign while in the crosswalk.

“Why do they have these driverless vehicles cars? I think someone should be driving them,” she continued.

“I just don’t think it’s very safe.”

The channel’s reporters spoke to thirty traffic cops, each remaining anonymous, and six came forward with stories of close encounters.

“I almost got hit half a dozen times,” said one guard.

Another said they stop children from crossing if they see a Waymo vehicle approaching.

While scary, several told the outlet that human drivers are still more dangerous, though they remain apprehensive about AVs.

Per lawCompanies like Waymo or General Motors’ Cruise must report accidents to authorities like the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA).

However, they are not required to report near misses or near misses.

The outlet acquired complaint records from the DMV through a public records request and found that 200 complaints against Waymo and Cruise vehicles were filed last year.

Sixty of those complaints cited safety concerns at crosswalks.

One complaint detailed the need for physical intervention.

“We had to hit the car with our hands,” the complaint said.

US Representative Kevin Mullin called the outlet’s findings “concerning” and promised to begin discussions on new regulations for AV companies like Waymo.

These types of incidents where people’s lives are put at risk – but are not reportable – we need to be aware of them. Data is crucial in crafting regulations that force these companies to focus on these areas of security concern.

Kevin MullinUS Representative

“You identified some pretty discernible patterns,” he said of the findings.

“I will share what you discovered with my colleagues in Washington to see how we can use this information to keep the pressure on where we need to apply it.”

Mullin sent a letter to NHSTA to force AV companies to report near misses and near misses.

“These types of incidents where people’s lives are put at risk – but are not reportable – we need to be aware of them,” he said.

“Data is crucial in crafting regulations that force these companies to focus on these areas of security concern.”

NHSTA told the news outlet that a response is underway, but did not comment further beyond citing the six ongoing investigations into driverless taxi companies.

Waymo responded with gratitude for being made aware of the issue.

“We want to be good members of the communities in which we operate and appreciate the ongoing dialogue we have with other road users and regulators,” the statement read.

“While we are proud of our safety record, we also recognize the importance of ensuring other road users feel confident and comfortable with our technology.”

Cruise’s statement similarly stated that the company closely analyzes data to find ways to improve its technology.

“We have a dedicated team that investigates concerns… And the insights we collect help our [autonomous vehicles] improve,” the company wrote.