Waymo gets California DMV's approval to test robotaxis in more areas

Waymo is expanding its autonomous vehicle testing to four additional cities, including Philadelphia, as part of its strategy to enhance its presence in the autonomous transportation market. This move follows the company's recent approval from the California DMV to increase its operational map for driverless vehicles.

Waymo's self-driving cars have begun exhibiting erratic behaviors reminiscent of New York taxi drivers, including making illegal U-turns and accelerating aggressively at green lights. This shift raises concerns about the reliability and safety of autonomous vehicles in urban environments.

A Waymo autonomous vehicle struck a small, unleashed dog in San Francisco's Western Addition while carrying passengers, prompting the company to confirm the incident. This event has reignited discussions surrounding the safety of self-driving technology and its implications for urban environments.