Religion and Ethics and Health BBS

Religion and Ethics and Health BBS
[ Religion and Ethics and Health BBS ]

Sisters Terrified After Their Driverless Waymo Nearly Caused Crash

Posted by Ken C on March 24, 2026, 12:11 pm

Waymo said "the event does not reflect the vast majority of our services.", but I did see another Waymo making the same kind of dangerous left turn. I might even still have my dashcam video.

I feel like "Captain Dunsel"

Posted by Ken C on March 28, 2026, 12:15 pm, in reply to "Sisters Terrified After Their Driverless Waymo Nearly Caused Crash"

Machines have been replacing human workers for hundreds of years. Now it's happening to me. Robo-taxis are replacing my driving job. I almost have enough money to retire. I will be OK, but I feel sorry for the millions of other paid human drivers.

AI Overview
"Captain Dunsel" is a derogatory term used by Commodore Bob Wesley to describe Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode "The Ultimate Computer" (1968). It refers to a part that serves no useful purpose, implying Kirk was made obsolete by the new M-5 Multitronic Unit computer.

Should robots be allowed to ignore directions from police?

Posted by Ken C on March 28, 2026, 12:05 pm, in reply to "Sisters Terrified After Their Driverless Waymo Nearly Caused Crash"

Humans have to follow all reasonable commands and instructions from police. Apparently that's not a requirement for robots. Robots don't get arrested for interfering with fire fighters.

https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/25/waymo-robotaxi-roadside-assistance-emergency-first-responders/

Last August, a fire ripped through 10 acres of grass on either side of California’s I-280 near Redwood City. Traffic backed up as firefighters extinguished the blaze, and California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers directed drivers to turn around and travel the wrong way to exit the freeway.

Some of those drivers encountered a new obstacle: a Waymo robotaxi.

Footage of the incident shows the Waymo AV tried to pass stopped traffic by traveling on the shoulder, only to wind up reversing away from the oncoming wrong-way cars, before stopping altogether.

The robotaxi wouldn’t budge, despite efforts from the company’s remote assistance team. So, Waymo turned to a resource that has become a reliable problem solver and called 911.

I understand replacing humans with machines, only when the machines are safer than humans.

Posted by Ken C on March 24, 2026, 12:27 pm, in reply to "Sisters Terrified After Their Driverless Waymo Nearly Caused Crash"

I don't believe Waymo is safer than a good human driver. It looks like they are just cheaper.

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