Are Robotaxis Safe? The Data Behind the Headlines
Every robotaxi incident makes headlines. But how do they actually compare to human drivers? Here's what the crash data says.
Waymo's Safety Record
Waymo published data showing their vehicles are involved in significantly fewer injury-causing crashes per mile than human drivers. Over 10 million miles driven in fully autonomous mode.
What Went Wrong with Cruise
Cruise paused operations after a pedestrian incident in October 2023. The issue wasn't the initial contact — it was the vehicle's response afterward. They've since overhauled their safety protocols.
Tesla's Different Approach
Tesla's FSD is Level 2 — the human is always responsible. This means Tesla's crash data is mixed with human error. The camera-only approach is cheaper but generates more edge cases than LiDAR-equipped systems.