Amy Witherite on the Rise of Robotaxis: Innovation or a Public Safety Hazard?

Austin is becoming a testing ground for driverless robotaxis, with Uber riders now able to choose a Waymo autonomous vehicle and Tesla planning to launch thousands of its own by June. While companies celebrate Texas’ lenient regulations, safety concerns are mounting, with federal investigations already underway into incidents involving autonomous vehicles. Yet, Austin residents have no voice in whether these unproven cars should be on their streets.

Amy Witherite, a board-certified attorney and traffic safety expert, has spent her career advocating for those harmed by reckless driving and unsafe policies. Drawing from her extensive legal experience, she warns that innovation must never come before public safety. With real risks already evident, are Austin’s streets truly ready for driverless vehicles? Read more to learn why Amy is sounding the alarm.

Why didn't Austin get a say in having Waymo driverless robotaxis?