Post Reports What to know before getting into a driverless taxi
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May 13, 2025 Geoffrey Fowler and Lisa Bonos, tech experts from The Washington Post, dive into the reality of driverless taxis like Waymo as they expand across U.S. cities. They discuss the initial excitement of hailing these autonomous rides and the mixed feelings residents have about safety and legal implications. The conversation highlights the operational challenges, pedestrian interactions, and urban life changes in a world increasingly shared with self-driving cars. Their insights provide a fascinating look at what potential passengers should consider before stepping into a driverless taxi.
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Experiencing a Robot Taxi Ride
- Jeff Fowler and Lisa Bonos took rides in a Waymo driverless taxi around San Francisco to experience it firsthand.
- They observed the car's autonomous behavior, like the steering wheel moving on its own and the doors opening automatically.
Driverless Cars Show Mixed Safety Record
- Data shows Waymo's autonomous cars have about 60% fewer police reported crashes compared to human drivers in similar cities.
- However, the cars are not accident-free and still face challenges in complex environments like highways.
External Safety Issues with Driverless Cars
- Passengers have experienced harassment or threats from people outside driverless cars, indicating new safety vulnerabilities.
- Autonomous cars do not address all safety concerns, with risks extending beyond the vehicle interior.