Waymo Robotaxi Stops Feet From Fallen Toddler in Noe Valley Crosswalk, Sparking Safety Debate
A father's split-second decision to block a driverless car with a stroller has reignited concerns about autonomous vehicles on San Francisco's pedestrian-priority streets.
A Noe Valley father says a Waymo robotaxi moved into a crosswalk and stopped roughly 13 feet from his two-year-old daughter after she tripped and fell face-down while crossing Sanchez Street at Duncan Street on a Friday morning shortly after 9:30 a.m. Ben Fisher told the San Francisco Chronicle he did not wait to see whether the vehicle would stop on its own — he pushed her empty stroller into its path, placing himself between the car and his daughter. Bystanders on surrounding sidewalks shouted as the girl burst into tears. Waymo said the vehicle operated safely and that it had already stopped before Fisher intervened.