Journalist's Waymo Barges Into Presidential Motorcade Route

Journalist Joe Miller recounted in the Financial Times how his Waymo robotaxi in Dallas ignored police directions and ended up on a road cleared for the presidential motorcade. Waymo apologized, saying the software recognized the officer's gestures but froze because the maneuver required crossing multiple lanes and waiting for remote assistance.

• The incident occurred in Dallas, where Waymo has been testing robotaxis since last year
• The car froze at an intersection, ignoring police commands and the in-car support button
• A Secret Service agent demanded the vehicle be removed immediately
• Waymo plans to expand to Washington DC, where VIP diversions are common