Teens Caught Joyriding in Waymo Self-Driving Car: A Cautionary Tale
Two teenagers were caught by the San Mateo police after they used a Waymo self-driving car for a joyride. The 15-year-olds were reportedly drinking alcohol and playing with a toy gun that shot water beads while in the driverless vehicle. The police were alerted by Waymo and detained the teens at a nearby parking lot.
The police shared photos showing five officers, one with a dog, surrounding the Waymo car at a shopping center close to El Camino Real and Highway 92. While acknowledging the ingenuity of the teens' plan, the police emphasized that underage drinking and displaying toy guns to strangers are not advisable behaviors.
Waymo cars are equipped with internal cameras that can be monitored by the company's employees. In certain situations, the support team may access live video feeds during a trip to address urgent concerns. The incident serves as a reminder that misusing technology and engaging in risky behavior can have serious consequences.
In conclusion, the incident involving the teens and the Waymo car highlights the importance of responsible behavior and the potential consequences of misusing technology. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of underage drinking and inappropriate actions in public spaces.