Autonomous driving company Waymo introduced a new data hub that offers detailed insights into the safety metrics of its self-driving tech.
Not only does it foster transparency within the industry, it also provides a detailed comparison between the Waymo Driver’s crash rates and those of human drivers.
Regular updates are planned to ensure the data remains current and relevant.
Waymo’s road safety records
The latest data covers approximately 22 million rider-only miles driven during June 2024. It also, for the first time, includes airbag deployment metrics in the data.
During June, the Waymo data shows:
- 84% fewer crashes with airbag deployment
- 73% fewer injury-causing crashes
- 48% fewer police-reported crashes
The hub – which can be accessed here – provides even more comprehensive reports for San Francisco and Phoenix, where the company has accumulated millions of rider-only miles.
These city-specific metrics show how the Waymo Driver improves road safety in these regions.
The data below for San Francisco and Phoenix show fewer recorded vehicle crashes when compared to human drivers, regardless of who was at fault.
Waymo explains: “The [data] show how many fewer incidents (crashes) per million miles (IPMM) [we] had compared to human drivers.”
This is along the benchmark crash rate “if they would have driven the same distance in the areas we operate.”
So, how does this reduce crashes?
This video below shows how the Waymo Driver easily navigates obstacles, safely maneuvering around road users and objects. It also responds quickly to any potential hazards.
ALSO READ: Waymo secures $5 billion investment from Alphabet for AV tech
Waymo’s 6th-gen driver
In August, the AV company unveiled its 6th-generation autonomous driving system.
Satish Jeyachandran, Waymo’s VP of engineering said the new model is built on everything that made the previous generation work.
WATCH: 6th-gen driver explained
The 6th-gen driver updates include built-in margin in sensor capabilities which means the AV is perfectly capable of functioning even in adverse weather conditions. It also continues to learn from the collective experiences gathered across the Waymo fleet.
NOW READ: Waymo accelerates autonomous driving with 6th-gen system
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About the author
Cheryl has contributed to various international publications, with a fervor for data and technology. She explores the intersection of emerging tech trends with logistics, focusing on how digital innovations are reshaping industries on a global scale. When she's not dissecting the latest developments in AI-driven innovation and digital solutions, Cheryl can be found gaming, kickboxing, or navigating the novel niches of consumer gadgetry.
