DALLAS — As Waymo expands its robotaxi operations across Dallas, new concerns are emerging from residents who say the vehicles are struggling in real‑world driving conditions.

According to a CBS News Texas report, residents have observed multiple troubling incidents, including a Waymo vehicle failing to yield to a firetruck and continuing to drive at school-zone speeds when conditions did not require it. Social media videos have also surfaced that appear to show a Waymo vehicle running a red light — adding to broader concerns about safety and reliability.

The concerns come at a critical time, as Waymo recently announced a voluntary recall tied to a software issue that could allow vehicles to drive into standing water — raising further questions about how these systems perform in everyday conditions.

Traffic safety advocate and Witherite Law Group founder Amy Witherite says these incidents reflect a broader pattern seen in cities across the country, where autonomous vehicles are still struggling to respond reliably to everyday driving conditions.

"The cars get confused. That is the throughline. Dimmed traffic signals. Flooded roads. Fire trucks. Police hand signals. School bus stop arms. These are not exotic scenarios; they are any day of the week in Dallas.
I am not opposed to autonomous vehicles. The promise is real: safer roads, mobility for seniors, transportation for those who cannot drive. But we are not there yet, and the cost of getting there should not be borne by Dallas residents.”

— Amy Witherite, Traffic Safety Advocate and Founder, Witherite Law Group

Why This Matters

As autonomous vehicle companies continue expanding into major metro areas like Dallas, real-world incidents are raising questions about whether the technology is ready for widespread deployment. Challenges involving emergency response scenarios, traffic signal interpretation, and unpredictable road conditions remain key areas of concern.

Read the Full Coverage

Read the full CBS News Texas report.