SouthernWorldwide.com – Waymo, the self-driving car company owned by Alphabet, is initiating a recall of nearly 3,900 of its robotaxis. This action follows instances where the autonomous vehicles’ software failed to correctly identify and navigate around closed freeway ramps and construction zones in Arizona and California.
The recall was prompted by Waymo’s internal review of incidents that occurred in April and May in the Phoenix and San Francisco Bay Area regions. Consequently, the company had temporarily suspended the robotaxis’ ability to operate on freeways while the issue was thoroughly investigated.
The affected vehicles are equipped with Waymo’s 5th Generation Automated Driving System (ADS). According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), all vehicles included in the recall are believed to possess this specific software defect.
The NHTSA recall notice stated that under certain conditions, the autonomous vehicles might enter and proceed at speed within freeway construction zones. This behavior is attributed to the system inappropriately prioritizing the avoidance of other freeway hazards or failing to recognize the presence of the construction zone itself.
Waymo had expanded its freeway driving capabilities last year, enabling its vehicles to operate on highways in San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. The recent incidents highlight a critical failure in this advanced feature.
Specifically, six incidents were reported in Phoenix where Waymo robotaxis entered freeway construction zones after failing to acknowledge ramp-closure signs. In May, seven Waymo vehicles were involved in similar situations in the San Francisco area, driving within freeway lanes that had active construction and were marked by cones indicating closures in adjacent lanes.
The NHTSA emphasized that driving at speed within a freeway construction zone significantly elevates the risk of collisions.
One passenger, Elliot Slade, shared his harrowing experience with CBS San Francisco. He recounted being in a Waymo vehicle with his fiancée, traveling from San Mateo to their home in San Francisco, when the car entered a construction zone at speed, leading to a police pursuit.
Slade described the robotaxi’s erratic behavior as they approached a merge area where lanes were narrowing. He noted that the vehicle seemed to struggle with the changing road conditions, with cars maneuvering unpredictably.
He expressed deep fear for their safety during the incident. Slade stated that despite the presence of construction signs, flashing lights, and visible police presence in the distance, the Waymo vehicle accelerated.
The robotaxi eventually exited the highway, heading into a residential area. Following the incident, Waymo offered Slade three complimentary rides, each valued up to $40, though he expressed uncertainty about whether he would utilize the offer.
