Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Disaffected

(6,623 posts)
15. Why don't these things have an emergency stop button
Sun May 31, 2026, 03:35 PM
Sunday

that a passenger can punch if the vehicle goes crazy?

ETA: Shoot first, ask questions later...
................

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.

........................

So, why did the passengers in the OP not apparently activate some of this?

Recommendations

1 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

"technical learnings"... Sounds like 'voice of experience'. Norrrm Sunday #1
When you get into a "self-driving" vehicle, you become a beta tester. eppur_se_muova Sunday #2
And all other people using the road orthoclad Sunday #16
Absolutely agree ! I've said similar things in the past, I was just struck by the idea of ANYONE choosing a Waymo. eppur_se_muova Sunday #17
Poiint! orthoclad Sunday #18
TechBros are rushing to get Artificial Inteligence behind the wheel in cars, local + long distance trucks, and busses. magicarpet Sunday #3
Technazis orangecrush Sunday #11
What? The programs can't recognize the flashing lights of a police car behind the car and pull over? dickthegrouch Sunday #4
I work as a motorcycle funeral escort in the Bay Area Quanto Magnus Sunday #7
Don't some recent vehicles have a built-in "remote kill switch" that's supposedly available only to law enforcement ? eppur_se_muova Sunday #19
instinct is instinct lol TalenaGor Sunday #5
Maybe passengers were watching latest episode of COPS MerryBlooms Sunday #6
I live in Phoenix and we have had Waymo's for a few years. For the few mistakes the cars have made, I can say Pisces Sunday #8
Musk? Dave says Sunday #24
Next we'll have KTLA news choppers following Waymo police chases thru the streets of Los Angeles. NBachers Sunday #9
So AI has a driving record and felony eluding mdbl Sunday #10
Bad bot bad bot orangecrush Sunday #12
You think maybe self-driving autonomous cars weren't exactly ready for prime time? Initech Sunday #13
... orangecrush Sunday #14
Why don't these things have an emergency stop button Disaffected Sunday #15
Good. Now keep them off the road. Period. mwmisses4289 Sunday #20
I had a brother in law that drove like that xuplate Sunday #21
These should NOT be allowed on public roads until they are exhaustively tested and certified. eppur_se_muova Sunday #22
It might sound cold, but... littlemissmartypants Sunday #23
That was waymo excitement than they counted on BWdem4life Sunday #25
Atlanta is crawling with these stupid things. Pinback Sunday #26
A couple of weeks ago House of Roberts Sunday #27
Yep, read about that. Pinback Sunday #29
We had to submit questionnaires to an ethics panel orthoclad Sunday #28
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Waymo Pulled Its Cars Fro...»Reply #15