Ever wonder what it’s like trying something totally new? My first Waymo ride in a driverless car for work was wild and here’s why.
No Driver
Yep, the car got me from Point A to my home without a driver! The car maneuvered through traffic and “watched” for foot traffic (which can be challenging in Tempe near Arizona State University.) All six miles without a bump or hitch the entire drive. The car maintained the speed limit and was never “aggressive” like some people in vehicles can be. Plus, all the stares from the other cars was hilarious since I was in the back seat!
Easy to Use
To locate a Waymo vehicle and have your ride arrive, install the Waymo app. The app is similar to Uber or Lyft in that Waymo knows where you’re currently located and the address of where you want to go. Once paid, the app tells you how long the wait will be and your estimated time of arrival. When Waymo arrives, driverless, you enter the code provided by the app to unlock the door and enjoy your ride. Easy to use for work or personal errands any time of day even during a late night.
The car takes over, and safely drives you to your final drop off spot. That’s it, except for that weird feeling of being out of control and anticipating traffic. The car’s multiple computer sensors detect obstacles and maps out other vehicles surrounding the car. The trip was uneventful and so convenient when you just “need a quick ride.”
Tempe, Arizona
I live in Tempe and Waymo, along with other companies, is piloting the driverless program here. The cars regularly “hang out” waiting to be called up in my neighborhood. I’m located next to Arizona State University, so I live in an urban hub with lots of activities, tourists, and students. Tempe is a perfect “testing ground” for this innovative technology that is being refined to go mainstream in time.
I think the main obstacle to overcome isn’t the technology or driverless ride, but rather people’s expectations. It’s difficult to change behaviors especially as something as emotional as driving and our love of cars.
It will be interesting to see what happens in the next 10 or 15 years and how this new industry is adapted.
For more living well, tips check out: KathyHusserTempe.com