General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Waymo Pulled Its Cars From the Freeway After One Fled Police With Horrified Couple on Board [View all]Disaffected
(6,623 posts)that a passenger can punch if the vehicle goes crazy?
ETA: Shoot first, ask questions later...
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Conversation with Gemini
Do Waymo vehicles have an emergency stop button?
No, Waymo vehicles do not have a physical "emergency stop" or "kill switch" button inside the passenger cabin.
The rationale behind omitting a traditional emergency brake or instant-stop button is safety. If a panicked passenger hits a sudden kill-switch while the vehicle is traveling at high speeds or navigating heavy traffic, it could trigger a catastrophic collision with other vehicles.
Instead, Waymo provides a tiered system for passengers to stop a ride or request immediate help:
1. The "Pull Over" Feature
Passengers can initiate a controlled stop through the in-car touchscreens or directly via the Waymo mobile app:
How it works: When activated, this commands the vehicle to find the nearest legally compliant and safe area (like a parking lot or a sidewalk curb) to pull over and bring the car to a smooth stop.
Location: While previously a prominent standalone button on the interface, the "Pull Over" function is nested within the vehicle's secondary menu options or accessed through the app.
2. The Passenger Support Button
Every vehicle features a distinct Support button on the physical console or touchscreen. Pressing this instantly connects the cabin to a live Waymo Rider Support agent via the internal intercom, who can issue teleassist instructions to the vehicle or contact emergency services.
3. Built-In Redundancies
Door Detection: The Waymo software is programmed to immediately brake and stop if a car door is unlatched or opened while in motion.
Collision Response: If the vehicle's onboard sensors detect a collision, it is designed to come to an immediate halt, automatically unlock the doors, and notify the central support team to coordinate with first responders.
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So, why did the passengers in the OP not apparently activate some of this?