# We're Learning to Live with Waymos. It's Going Weird

> Waymo's autonomous cars create both comfort and chaos as riders navigate a world of self-driving vehicles.
- Title: We're Learning to Live with Waymos. It's Going Weird
- Summary: Waymo's autonomous cars create both comfort and chaos as riders navigate a world of self-driving vehicles. Waymo's self-driving cars offer safety but face…
- Keywords: waymo, autonomous vehicles, san francisco, self-driving cars, driverless cars, public reaction, safety concerns, tech adoption, politics, news, We're, Learning
- Source: The New Yorker — https://newyorker.com/magazine/2026/10/19/were-learning-to-live-with-waymos-its-going-weird
- Author: Molly Fischer
- Published: 2026-10-12T10:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: waymo, autonomous vehicles, san francisco, self-driving cars, ai, driverless cars, public reaction, safety concerns, tech adoption, politics, news
## Waymo's steering wheel
Waymo’s steering wheel moves on its own, creating a mix of familiarity and magic for riders.
## Waymo's market growth
Waymo now has over four thousand cars across fifteen U.S. cities, surpassing Lyft in San Francisco.
## Public reaction to Waymo
Riders report the steering wheel reassures them, making the car feel relatable and safe.
## Waymo's safety claims
Waymo claims its cars are ten times safer than human-driven vehicles, reducing serious crashes by ninety-two percent.
## Waymo's public challenges
Waymo faces incidents like a car driving over fireworks, flooding, and collisions with pedestrians.
## The KitKat incident
Waymo killed a cat named KitKat, sparking protests and a memorial at Randa’s Market.
## Public safety concerns
San Francisco saw two hundred fifty incidents where passengers fell asleep in Waymos, requiring emergency response.
## Waymo's accessibility features
Waymo provides rides for people with mobility aids and service animals, including those with disabilities.
## Waymo's infrastructure challenges
Waymos require frequent charging and maintenance, with two hundred cars at a depot in San Francisco.
## The Stacker One incident
A man stood still in an alley to stop Waymos, creating a temporary blockade without violence.
## Waymo's public relations
Waymo runs campaigns to build trust, including a Super Bowl ad and West Indian Day parade float.
## Waymo's safety metrics
Waymo's safety data shows a ninety-two percent reduction in serious crashes, but incidents like school bus stops remain unaddressed.
## Waymo's impact on urban life
Waymos have created both convenience and conflict in cities, with residents adapting to the new technology.
## Waymo's future plans
Waymo aims to expand to D.C., New York, London, and Tokyo while addressing public concerns about safety and privacy.
## The human element
Waymo riders experience a mix of freedom and vulnerability, with no driver to intervene in emergencies.
## Waymo's cultural impact
Waymo has become a symbol of technological progress and the challenges of integrating AI into everyday life.
## Key takeaway

Waymo's self-driving cars offer safety but face public skepticism due to incidents and the absence of human drivers.