‘Causing Waymo Problems’: Atlanta Drivers Stop At Intersection. Then They Get Stuck Behind 3 Waymos That Won’t Move

An unusual and unlucky scenario played out for Atlanta drivers when three Waymos suddenly stopped at an intersection, causing a traffic buildup. As self-driving taxis are popping up more and more across American cities, this type of situation that unfolded isn’t helping popular perception. 

One viewer wrote, “WHY IS THERE 3 in every lane. What typa luck?”

In a TikTok with over 93,300 views as of this writing, content creator @reel_world45 showcases the scene that took place late at night when three Waymos decided to stay in place due to a flashing red light. 

“We got three Waymos that think the light is [expletive] red,” a man shouts. 

The Atlanta street light is flashing red with three Waymos at a complete stop in three lanes. Each lane is accompanied by a Waymo, and residents go over to the Waymos to investigate. 

“Say no to Waymo’s” the on-screen text reads. 

The majority of the bystanders and drivers are in disbelief at this scenario. While laughter was sprinkled in here and there over the absurdity, many were cursing and yelling for the Waymos to move out of the way. 

“We can’t even get around this [expletive] car right there. We can’t even move, bruh. We cannot move, bruh," a man vents. 

Several cars were stuck behind these Waymos, leaving drivers confused about what to do next. 

“Man, the Waymos think the light is red, bruh—yielding and [expletive],” he concludes.

‘Causing Waymo Problems’

Viewers in the comments section were left pondering how this happens and offered creative solutions to fix the issue.

“I would’ve tried to put a green screen in front of their camera,” one TikTok commenter said. 

“3 Waymo’s, 5 men, lift that sucker up from the sides and move them. I wonder if they are the same weight as a regular car,” another added. 

“Who can’t move I would’ve just drove around [wth],” another asked.

While others acknowledge how unlucky this type of encounter is. 

“Causing Waymo problems,” one commented. 

“WHY IS THERE [1] in every lane. What typa luck,” one shared.

While other viewers thought the Waymos looked like they were about to race one another. 

“Looks like they're getting ready to race,” one noticed.

“Waymo fast & Waymo furious,” another joked. 

How Many Problems Will Waymo Create?

Whether you like it or not, Waymos are appearing across American cities and causing a ruckus. 

This isn’t the first time Waymos have caused a traffic jam in Atlanta. CBS Evening News reported that one Atlanta neighborhood had 40–50 Waymos get stuck in the neighborhood after placing a green traffic man.

There has been debate on whether Waymos are safe after stories of the driverless taxis veering off into opposing lanes. Additionally, Waymos have been reported blocking emergency vehicles, traveling on rail crossings, and stopping in intersections.

With all these incidents taking place, Waymo has been going viral for all the wrong reasons. 

This past June, over 4,000 Waymos were recalled due to having software issues. Waymo issued the recall after the driverless taxis entered freeway construction zones. 

Google reports that each vehicle is designed to be cautious and defensive. If any issues arise where the Waymo stops on its own and refuses to move, roadside assistance is called by the Waymo support team. Rides can be interrupted by flat tires, mechanical issues, or an accident. 

Now, if a situation like a flashing red light occurs, the Waymo may just be processing what to do next. 

“Sometimes, the car just needs a moment to decide how to proceed. It may be able to determine the best course of action and start moving again on its own,” per Google. 

Typically, a flashing red light means you stop completely and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other vehicles, only proceeding when you’ve determined it’s safe; however, the Waymos clearly didn’t know this. Bystanders who observe this behavior from Waymos can report the issue to local authorities and contact the Waymo support team. 

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There is no denying Waymo is an impressive piece of technology, but at what cost? Having Waymos block emergency responders, intersections, and driving in the wrong lane certainly raises eyebrows with valid concern. Waymo is being proactive with the recall placed this past month, but time will tell if more problems are created than actually solved with driverless taxis. 

Motor1 has contacted @reel_world45 via TikTok direct message and commented on the post. Waymo has been contacted through email, and this post will be updated if either party replies.

 

 

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