Waymo’s Autonomous Vehicle Hits Dog in San Francisco: Safety Concerns Reignite

Waymo hitting a dog in San Francisco has reopened the debate on autonomous vehicle safety.

Waymo, one of the leading companies in autonomous vehicle technology, confirmed that one of its vehicles ran over a dog last Sunday in San Francisco. The passenger in the vehicle during the incident said the events quickly drew a crowd; their children were crying, and their spouse was screaming.

According to the passenger, the dog, described as being Corgi-sized, began “screaming in pain” as the vehicle passed over it.

Waymo Pledges Explanation and Investigation

A Waymo spokesperson told local news site Mission Local: “Unfortunately, a Waymo vehicle made contact with a small dog that was loose on the roadway. We are committed to learning from this and improving safety in the cities we serve. We do not currently have information on the dog’s medical condition.”

The company communicated to the passenger after the incident that they would review the trip data and evaluate what steps could be taken to prevent similar accidents.

Owner Sought, Veterinary Support Offered

Waymo also announced it would dispatch a team to find the dog’s owner and provide necessary veterinary services.

The passenger who witnessed the event said, “My kids won’t want to get in an autonomous vehicle again for a while, but I am satisfied with Waymo’s approach. I personally plan to use the service again.”

The Same Pain for the Second Time in Two Years

This accident was recorded as the second animal death caused by Waymo vehicles in two years. Furthermore, for the second time in two months, an animal has similarly been run over by a Waymo robotaxi.

Last year, a beloved stray cat named “Kit Kat” in San Francisco’s Mission District died after being hit by a Waymo vehicle; the public created a memorial corner for the cat after the incident. The death of Kit Kat, known by locals as the “Mayor of 16th Street,” increased anti-Waymo sentiment in the city.

Waymo stated at the time, “We send our deepest condolences to the owner and the community that knew him.”

Growing Unease Towards Waymo

City residents carry a growing sense of unrest due to the white Jaguar I-Pace robotaxis roaming the city streets. However, Waymo remains an attractive option, especially for tourists, women seeking safe transport, and parents wanting to quickly get their children from one place to another.

The Speed of Autonomous Transportation Expansion

Waymo currently serves actively in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. Additionally, limited autonomous ride options are offered via Uber in Austin and Atlanta.

The company plans to expand to many major US cities next year. London will be Waymo’s first international stop.

Testing Process Begins in Tokyo

Waymo has already started test drives in Tokyo, the capital of Japan. The company is preparing to bring the autonomous driving experience to the Japanese market by collaborating with the country’s leading taxi app and a major taxi firm.

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