Robotaxis Proliferate — But Can You Trust the Driver?

If you find chatty cab drivers torturous, the future might sound like a dream: hopping into a car with no driver at all. In a growing number of U.S. cities, that’s already an option. Robotaxis, backed by tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Lyft, are rolling out in select markets with big promises and a fair share of skepticism.

The pitch is simple: machines don’t get tired, don’t get distracted, and don’t argue about directions. Google’s Waymo service has led the way, logging millions of miles on American roads. According to NBC Bay Area, Waymo claims its driverless cars generate 90 percent fewer insurance claims for property damage and injury compared to human drivers. That track record helped the company win approval to operate as a commercial taxi service in California and several other states.

On paper, the numbers are persuasive. But critics note that Waymo’s total mileage is still small compared to the three trillion miles U.S. drivers log each year, making it hard to measure risks in everyday scenarios. And when self-driving cars do make mistakes, the failures attract national attention.

A 14-month federal investigation highlights both the promise and the pitfalls. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) looked into irregular driving by Waymo vehicles, including traffic violations and 17 minor collisions, according to Reuters. Waymo recalled certain cars during the inquiry, and regulators eventually closed the case without finding broader flaws.

Other companies haven’t fared as well. General Motors’ Cruise service was halted after one of its driverless cars dragged and severely injured a pedestrian in 2023. GM has since scaled back its ambitions. Tesla’s robotaxi project also remains under tight scrutiny, with the company’s “self-driving” rides still requiring a human monitor for now.

So, can you trust a robotaxi? That depends on your tolerance for risk—and your patience. The cars have shown they can reduce many common accidents, but high-profile mistakes fuel public unease. Still, most experts believe autonomous taxis are not going away. Whether we like it or not, the odds are that driverless rides will eventually become a standard option, pulling up to the curb in cities big and small.