According to Business Insider, on the occasion of Independence Day (July 4th) in the United States, several of Waymo's autonomous taxis operating in San Francisco encountered operational setbacks. Residents shared videos depicting Waymo vehicles experiencing malfunctions, coming to a halt, and in some instances, being towed away amidst the bustling celebrations. In response, Waymo spokesperson Chris Bonelli explained that the intense traffic congestion had disrupted the vehicles' regular functioning. He further noted that roadside assistance teams had worked in tandem with local authorities and emergency services to manage and clear the immobilized vehicles. It has been reported that certain vehicles had to be towed due to battery depletion caused by extended periods of idling. Fortunately, no injuries were sustained during these incidents, and it is worth mentioning that all vehicles were operating in full autonomous mode when the malfunctions occurred. Waymo is actively exploring strategies to bolster its response mechanisms during significant traffic disruptions.
