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Riders share views on Waymo safety after viral incident videos

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Riders share views on Waymo safety after viral incident videos


If you’ve been on social media lately, you may have seen videos showing Waymo self-driving cars in alarming situations. There have been multiple incidents across the country, including some here in Texas.

CBS News Texas met with people who use the service regularly to gauge their feelings.

Sushi Mellen considers himself a seasoned Waymo rider.

“I ride Waymo in LA, San Francisco, other states as well,” he said.

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He’s in Dallas on business and says he’s never felt unsafe.

“Human drivers would be more dangerous,” he said. “Waymo is better, I think.”

Recent incidents spark new scrutiny

About two weeks ago, Waymo launched its services in Dallas. Since then, several incidents across the country have raised questions about how the technology responds to unpredictable situations.

In Arizona, a Waymo robotaxi was seen stopping in oncoming traffic.

In Austin, video shows a vehicle stopped near train tracks as a train approached.

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Waymo says there was no rider inside, and the vehicle performed a controlled stop more than 2.5 meters before the tracks after the crossing lights activated. The company says it recognizes the concern and has temporarily restricted travel through similar crossings while it reviews the incident and refines its system.

Attorneys question company’s explanation

“When I saw the video that didn’t look like 2.6 meters,” Witherite Law Group Managing Attorney John Nohinek said. “2.6 meters is close to 10 feet, and the Waymo, in my opinion, did not look like it was in a safe spot.”

Nohinek says the incidents raise serious concerns.

“I don’t see anything that would indicate that these vehicles are 100% ready to be on the road and should,” he said. “The more Waymos on the street in Texas, and in additional cities, the more problems we are seeing.”

Company stresses incidents are rare

Waymo says its goal is to make roads safer and emphasizes that incidents like these are rare. 

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Still, the recent videos are renewing the debate over how quickly driverless cars should roll out in major cities.

As for Mellen, he plans to keep riding.

“I feel safe,” he said.



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A Texas family set up a lemonade stand and World Cup fans lined up

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A Texas family set up a lemonade stand and World Cup fans lined up


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NBC News Channel

One family in Texas set up a lemonade stand that became a destination for World Cup fans from around the globe. After the final games, the family took a moment to reflect on all the fans who passed through. KXAS’s Jala Washington reports.

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Man arrested in alleged cockfighting ring; nearly 200 birds rescued

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Man arrested in alleged cockfighting ring; nearly 200 birds rescued


Authorities in Van Zandt County arrested an East Texas man, accusing him of operating a cockfighting operation on his property near Grand Saline. Investigators removed nearly 200 birds, seized $55,000 in cash, and collected equipment believed to be used to restrain and transport animals for fighting. The rescued roosters and hens are now receiving veterinary care through the SPCA of Texas.



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Vehicle crash in Sinton ends in five dead July 18

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Vehicle crash in Sinton ends in five dead July 18


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Five people are dead after a vehicular crash on July 18 at the intersection of the U.S. 77 access road and State Highway 89 in Sinton, according to a news release from the Texas Highway Patrol.

At 8:30 a.m., troopers arrived at the scene and determined a 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling south on the U.S. 77 access road had failed to yield the right of way at a stop sign and was struck on its passenger side by a 2011 Toyota Tundra traveling south on State Highway 89.

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The 46-year-old driver of the Tundra and his two sons, 15 and 11, of San Antonio, were not seriously injured but transported to Northwest Emergency Room in the Calallen area as a precaution.

The driver of the Grand Cherokee, 37-year-old Samantha Cruz, of Corpus Christi, and the passengers, 63-year-old Sara Cruz, 64-year-old Sonia Montes and 61-year-old Sallie Montes, were pronounced dead at the scene by Precinct 8 Justice of the Peace Leslie Pullin.

The fifth passenger in the vehicle, 68-year-old Ruben Cruz, was transported to Christus Spohn Shoreline, where he died from his injuries.

The crash remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol Office in Sinton.

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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Have a story idea? Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com.

Consider supporting local journalism with a subscription to the Caller-Times.



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