Waymo driverless cars in Austin slammed with complaints

AUSTIN, Texas - The City of Austin has been slammed with dozens of complaints about Waymo vehicles stalling, speeding, and crashing.

The majority of complaints are from the Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department, and residents.

Many are calling the driverless cars a safety hazard.

Waymo vehicles are causing a stir on Austin roadways. Gabriel Mendez is just one of many drivers that have been stuck behind one of the autonomous vehicles.

"Waymo stops immediately when there's a yellow light when you have like five seconds to cross-over, so when you stop right then and there you're stopping. A bunch of other cars unexpectedly because this is a yellow light. It's not a red light. If it was a red light, then I technically understand," says Austin resident Gabriel Mendez.

Many complaints on this list, provided by the City of Austin, accuse the driverless vehicles of stalling and speeding.

First responders have reported cases of Waymo cars being involved in a crash, passing security checkpoints and blocking police escorts.

"We could do without it, but I do think that it does take trial and error," says Austin resident Masi Moosavi.

As Mendez points out, 'We provide drivers who can listen and address your concerns directly with someone.'

Certain riders contend that driverless vehicles are advantageous as they eliminate the presence of intoxicated drivers on the roads.

"That’s an optimistic perspective. I’ve never considered it before since I don’t find myself in such positions or situations, but that certainly turns out to be quite a favorable result," states Mendez.

The Senate Bill 2205 enacted in 2017 prevents municipalities within Texas from implementing regulations for self-driving cars, transferring control and supervision to the state authorities.

The city claims it collaborates with autonomous vehicle firms as they join the market, providing them insights into the local transport system to ensure these driverless vehicles can function safely.

Motorists say they are stranded at the roadside.

A recently shared video on social media depicted riders alleging they were trapped inside a non-moving Waymo car beside Lake Austin Boulevard, with vehicles zooming past them at high speeds.

In response to the incident, Waymo stated, among other things, “Riders from Waymo always have the option to halt their journey and leave the vehicle whenever they wish. To do so, passengers may pull the lever two times; the first time unlocks the door, and the second opens it.”

Waymo states that at no time was the rider support team required to intervene and unlock the doors for the passengers remotely.