SF Cat's Death Sparks Criticism of Waymo Self-Driving Cars

Neighborhood Bodega Cat's Death Sparks Debate in San Francisco

A sense of loss has descended upon San Francisco’s Mission District following the tragic death of a beloved local cat named Kit Kat, as reported by The New York Times.

The incident, in which Kit Kat was struck by a Waymo robotaxi on the evening of October 27th, prompted residents to establish a memorial shrine in his honor.

Community Response and Competing Views

The site of the tragedy has become a focal point for discussion, adorned with various signs.

Some signs express criticism directed towards Waymo, while others highlight the numerous fatalities caused by human drivers.

Call for Local Control of Driverless Car Regulations

Jackie Fielder, the Supervisor representing the Mission District, referenced Kit Kat’s death during a discussion regarding a proposed city resolution.

This resolution seeks to empower local voters to determine whether driverless vehicles are permitted to operate within their communities.

Fielder emphasized a key difference between accidents involving human drivers and those involving autonomous vehicles.

“Unlike a human driver, who can be held responsible and identified by law enforcement, there is no individual to hold accountable in this situation,” she stated to the Times.

Waymo's Statement on the Incident

Waymo, whose co-CEO recently addressed safety concerns at Disrupt, characterized the event as occurring when a cat unexpectedly ran in front of their vehicle as it began to move.

The company conveyed its sincere condolences to the cat’s owner and the community that cherished him.

Waymo extended their “deepest sympathies to the cat’s owner and the community who knew and loved him.”