Motorcyclist Fatally Injured in Collision Involving Waymo Self-Driving Car in Tempe Near ASU Campus
By Aisha Khan
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A tragic scene unfolded in Tempe as a motorcyclist lost their life following a series of events involving a Waymo self-driving vehicle and another car. The incident, which occurred near Arizona State University’s Tempe campus, took place in the early hours of Sunday morning and has since sparked an investigation.
As reported by FOX 10 Phoenix, the crash happened around 1:20 a.m. near Rural Road and Apache Boulevard. According to Tempe police, the fatally injured individual was the motorcyclist, transported to the hospital but later succumbing to their injuries. The second car’s driver, revealed to be an ASU student, reportedly fled the scene and was ultimately apprehended by authorities. Making right turns and yielding to pedestrians, the Waymo was reportedly rear-ended by the motorcyclist, says the police.
The motorcyclist’s identity has not yet been disclosed pending notification of next of kin. What complicates the narrative is the involvement of Waymo’s autonomous vehicle, which had no passengers at the time of the accident but has become a point of focus as the community grapples with questions of road safety and emerging technology.
“Safety is our highest priority at Waymo. We are deeply saddened by this event, and we are fully cooperating with law enforcement and regulators,” a Waymo spokesperson expressed in a statement obtained by Arizona’s Family. This tragedy has the company, known for its self-driving cars you can summon via an app, reassessing safety protocols as they extend their heartfelt sympathies to the family and loved ones of the deceased. Tracked down by the police, the driver of the second car involved was identified as a student from ASU.
In the wake of the collision, local conversations have inevitably turned toward the safety of autonomous vehicles mingling with human drivers on public roads, an ongoing debate that this incident has only intensified. Yet, amidst these complex questions, the loss of life remains at the forefront, a grim reminder of the unforeseen consequences that may arise at the crossroads of innovation and reality.
