A troubling video featuring two men blocking a self-driving car and pressuring a female passenger to share her phone number has resurfaced, reigniting concerns about women’s safety. The incident, which occurred months ago, highlights potential vulnerabilities in autonomous vehicle services, particularly regarding passenger security.
The incident: Woman trapped in a Waymo car
The video, originally published online, captures a disturbing interaction involving a woman riding in a Waymo—a leading American autonomous cab service. The two men are seen standing in front of the vehicle, preventing it from moving forward while repeatedly gesturing for her phone number.
Inside the car, the woman can be heard firmly refusing their advances, repeatedly saying, “No, move.” Despite her protests, the men continue blocking the car’s path, effectively trapping her in the vehicle.
According to a report by the San Francisco Chronicle, the standoff ended only after the woman persistently screamed for the men to leave. She was seated in the front passenger seat throughout the ordeal, experiencing what she later described as a “terrifying encounter.”
Waymo Responds: 24/7 car rider support for emergencies
In response to the incident, Waymo emphasized its commitment to rider safety. Julia Ilina, a spokesperson for the company, stated: “In an instance like this, our riders have 24/7 access to Rider Support agents who will help them navigate the situation in real-time and coordinate closely with law enforcement officers to provide further assistance as needed.” The video has sparked fresh scrutiny of safety protocols for autonomous vehicles, with many questioning whether current measures are sufficient to protect passengers in vulnerable situations.
Social Media outrage: Calls for enhanced safety features in cars
The resurfaced video has reignited outrage across social media platforms, with users demanding improved safety features for autonomous vehicles. One user suggested: “A safety feature should be activated that automatically sends dash cam video to the nearest police precinct and reports it as an attempted kidnapping in progress. Guys would never try it again.”
Another pointed out the audacity of the perpetrators, saying: “They realized she was trapped and doubled down. Super nice guys.” Others lamented the lack of consequences for such behavior: “The fact they don’t even care about being on camera just shows how much they know they won’t get s**t for it either.” Drawing parallels to an online trend, one commenter remarked: “You yell at a bear and it goes away.”
The incident has drawn comparisons to the viral “Man vs. Bear” trend that circulated on social media earlier this year. This trend posed a chilling question in the form of a hypothetical social experiment: Who is safer to encounter in the wild—a man or a bear?
In a grim reflection of societal realities, all participants reportedly chose the bear over a man, citing deep-seated fears about harassment and violence. The resurfaced video serves as a sobering reminder of these fears and has amplified calls for better mechanisms to ensure women’s safety in public spaces—whether on foot or in autonomous vehicles.
As autonomous technology continues to evolve, this incident underscores the need for rigorous safety protocols and rapid response mechanisms. For companies like Waymo, ensuring passenger safety isn’t just a technological challenge but a societal responsibility. The unsettling footage has left many asking: How can advancements in technology protect riders from the dangers that remain very human?