Waymo Car Strikes Dog in San Francisco After Fatal Bodega Cat Incident

A recent incident involving a Waymo autonomous vehicle has raised concerns in San Francisco. On Sunday night, at approximately 8 p.m., the vehicle struck a small, unleashed dog at the intersection of Scott and Eddy streets. The event was reported by a passenger traveling with family, who later shared details on Reddit.

Details of the Incident

The passenger remarked, “Our Waymo just ran over a dog,” while attempting to contact customer support and the police. A crowd gathered as uncertainty unfolded about how to respond to the situation. Waymo confirmed the incident on Monday, stating they are dedicated to improving road safety in the communities they operate.

About the Dog and Company Response

• The dog is described as weighing between 20 to 30 pounds.
• As of Monday afternoon, no updates were available regarding the dog’s condition.
• Waymo’s spokesperson commented on the incident, emphasizing the company’s commitment to community engagement.

According to reports, a 311 complaint was filed shortly after the incident, at 8:25 p.m., which confirmed the presence of a Waymo vehicle at that intersection. A spokesperson from San Francisco Animal Care and Control noted that they had received the same complaint but found no follow-up necessary.

Context of Recent Incidents

This incident follows a prior event in which another Waymo vehicle killed a bodega cat named KitKat in San Francisco’s Mission District. This prior incident garnered significant media coverage and led to discussions about the regulation of autonomous vehicles. Supervisor Jackie Fielder called for discussions on allowing voters to determine the presence of driverless cars in their areas.

Waymo’s Follow-Up Actions

As per the passenger’s statement on Reddit, Waymo has reached out to them following the incident. The company expressed intentions to dispatch team members to locate the dog’s owner and offer necessary veterinary services.

As of now, the community continues to seek clarity on the evolving role of autonomous vehicles in San Francisco, particularly after recent events involving pets. The open 311 complaint remains under review, illustrating the ongoing concern regarding safety and accountability in the use of self-driving technology.