Software Issue Allows Cars to Enter Flooded Roads

The company said in a statement that it continues to closely monitor forecasts, alerts, and live weather conditions and expects to resume serving riders soon.

The issue, which could allow vehicles to slow and then drive into standing water on higher-speed roadways, was highlighted in a letter posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website earlier this month.

Voluntary Recall of Nearly 3,800 Robotaxis

In response to the software problem, Waymo issued a voluntary recall of nearly 3,800 of its robotaxis that use the company’s fifth and sixth-generation automated driving systems.

The company added that it is working on implementing additional software safeguards to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

On Wednesday, an unoccupied Waymo robotaxi was reported to be trapped in floodwater on a road in Atlanta, raising further concerns about the reliability of the automated driving systems.

Waymo has also temporarily pulled its service on freeways in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Miami.

The company said it is evaluating its cars’ performance in construction zones and expects to resume those routes soon, according to a statement given to Reuters.

Concerns Over Self-Driving Car Safety

Over the past year, several incidents involving driverless cars have raised concerns over their safety, prompting increased scrutiny of the technology and its software systems.

Waymo’s decision to pause its service in five U.S. cities highlights the ongoing challenges faced by companies developing autonomous vehicle technology as they work to ensure the systems function safely under all conditions.