San Francisco demands federal Waymo crackdown after July 4 traffic meltdown stranded thousands

San Francisco city leaders are throwing their weight behind new federal legislation to crack down on rogue self-driving cars, after a number of Waymos clogged the city’s streets and left thousands to march home on foot during a disastrous July Fourth celebration.The proposed law by Congressman Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.) would direct federal regulators to establish minimum national safety standards for autonomous vehicles.Specifically, the new rules would make sure the vehicles will not impede emergency operations.“This legislation will give local government and autonomous vehicle companies a clearer framework for coordinating during an emergencies and unexpected disruptions,” Lurie said at a Tuesday press conference.“It would also ensure that AV’s respond appropriately when streets close, traffic patterns change, signals fail or when first responders need immediate access.” California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

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Never miss a story Under the bill, autonomous vehicle companies would be required to provide standardized emergency response protocols.It also would require a 24-hour hotline that gives public officials direct access to AV companies.There could also be a process allowing public officials to “geofence” AVs, or in other words, placing limits on where self-driving vehicles can operate during emergencies.“This is an attempt for the federal government to engage on the issue and develop some uniform standards of protocol across the country that really puts the onus on these companies to do the right thing,” Mullin said.The self-driving car company, Waymo, seems to be in support of the federal legislation.“Establishing minimum guidelines would provide the entire industry and public safety community with a consistent framework,” a spokesperson said ...