Waymo Driving into Oncoming Traffic Sparks Safety Debate

New Delhi, December 20, 2025: A wave of concern regarding the readiness of autonomous vehicle technology has been ignited by a viral video showing a driverless Waymo robotaxi driving directly into oncoming traffic. The footage, which was captured in Austin, Texas, in December 2025, depicts the white Jaguar SUV veering onto the wrong side of a frontage road near Interstate 35. The incident has added fresh momentum to the ongoing national conversation about the safety protocols and regulatory oversight of self-driving fleets.

The “Wrong Way” Incident in Austin

The 20-second clip, which was first uploaded to Reddit with the caption “Just another day in Austin,” has since been viewed by millions across multiple platforms. In the video, the Waymo vehicle is observed creeping forward against the flow of traffic, causing several human-driven cars to come to a cautious halt.

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Official Response and Public Skepticism

While no injuries or collisions were reported in the Austin “wrong-way” foray, the psychological impact on public trust has been significant. A statement was issued by a Waymo spokesperson, reiterating that safety is the company’s “highest priority” and that the incident is being analyzed to improve performance. As the video continues to trend, it serves as a stark reminder that the path to fully autonomous mobility is still fraught with unpredictability. For many Mumbaikars and global citizens alike, the question remains: are the roads ready for the robots?