A Waymo autonomous vehicle was recently stopped by police in Phoenix after traveling in the oncoming lane. The incident occurred on June 19 when the driverless car apparently became confused by conflicting construction signs and then even ran a red light.
Footage from the police officer’s body camera shows him Waymo informed that the vehicle had crossed into oncoming traffic in a construction zone – an extremely dangerous situation. When the officer tried to stop the vehicle, it first drove through an intersection before crashing into one parking spot stopped.
A Waymo spokesman explained that due to inconsistent construction signage, the vehicle entered the oncoming lane and was unable to move back into the correct lane. It remained in that position for about 30 seconds before the officer noticed it. The entire incident only lasted about a minute, according to Waymo.
Interestingly, the officer was unable to issue a ticket because it was a computer-controlled vehicle. Although Arizona law allows robotaxis to be prosecuted for traffic violations, practical implementation is difficult.
Waymo emphasizes that their vehicles are significantly safer than human drivers. Still, the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating NHTSA numerous incidents involving Waymo vehicles. There were reports of danger to other road users and hindrance to emergency services. Waymo recently had to recall its vehicles after one collided with a telephone pole.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in introducing autonomous vehicle technology on the road and raises questions about safety and legal responsibility.